2010 1.8 Petrol Intermittent Starting Issues

[latecomer]

Hi folks - just registered so be nice :)

we've recently bought a late 2010 Avensis estate 1.8 TR but the wife has now had 3 occassions (twice yesterday) when it wouldn't turn over at all. Initially thought it was the steering lock but when it happens she can turn the key round to the ignition position but it wont turn over at all. Fairly certain its nothing she is doing but it hasn't happened to me yet but then I drive it less.

She has managed to get it started each time by doing all sorts of things but I suspect its sorting itself out. I've searched for any known problems but haven't found anything. I'm about to call the dealer and get it booked in but wanted to check here first.

Thanks

[ptaurissr]

I know this sounds obvious but is your wife depessing the clutch fully to the floor before she turns the ignition?

[latecomer]

No idea but I would suspect so. Is there something that prevents the car from being started if it thinks its in gear?

Might be a good shout if there is and should be something we can test for.

[ptaurissr]

Doesnt matter if youre in gear when starting, at least not in my auris, all that matters is the clutch pedal is fully depressed when starting

[alan333]

If it's an automatic make sure it's properly in park.

[latecomer]

Doesnt matter if youre in gear when starting, at least not in my auris, all that matters is the clutch pedal is fully depressed when starting

Sorry should have said its a manual - I tried out trying to start it last night in gear with the clutch pedal not fully depressed and it wouldnt' start. So it seems like this is the cause of the problems - alhtough I need to check that the same is true when its in neutral as my wife said she definitely tried it out of gear.

Thanks for the replies folks :)

[toyota diag tech 1]

The neutral start switch on the gearbox has been known to give intermittant problems

[latecomer]

I have now tried it in neutral and it also requires the clutch to be depressed for the engine to start.

The neutral start switch on the gearbox has been known to give intermittant problems

Is this something that should let it start while in neutral without the clutch pedal being pushed or something else?

[toyota diag tech 1]

Its mainly for the drive away release function of the electric parking brake but both this and the clutch switch need to be engaged for starter to operate

[latecomer]

Thanks for the info - so the ignition system is working as it should be. Just a case of RTFM - will explain that to the wife :)