2011 Toyota Yaris T Spirit VVT-I - semi auto - won't start :(

[Prits]

Hello

I'm new to this forum site.

I'm having trouble trying to find out what is causing my Yaris to sometimes not start. It's a 2011 Toyota Yaris T Spirit VVT-I - semi auto. So this is what is happening, I make sure it's in neutral, I depress the brake and turn the key but the engine doesn't start. I hear a clicking sound, the best I can describe it is it's like the sound of a biro pen clicking.  I have to keeping trying and some times it will start after 3/4 tries, other times it just wont and the brake pedal will become stiff so I can no longer press down . When it does start I have no issues at all – car drives fine. Diagnostics show no error codes. The Battery has been checked and that's fine. I've had the transmission sensor replaced as this was worn out but this didn't solve the problem. I've been advised to take it to a Toyota garage.

The car won't start at all now so the mechanic advised how I can start the car using a paper clip in the starter relay inside the fuse box. I googled this just in case and it seems legit. I need to be able to get it to a Toyota garage. Any one know of such an issue or have any advice about what could be wrong? I recon Toyota will charge me a lot.

I've added a video clip of the sound it makes when I try to turn it on. 

Thanks            

IMG_4748_LOW_RES.mov

[bathtub tom]

Does the paper clip trick work, if so I'd suspect the ignition switch.

If not, I'd be looking for a dodgy electrical connection, Battery terminals, earth connection, solenoid and starter connections.

I reckon the brake pedal going stiff is just the vacuum servo reservoir being emptied - perfectly normal and nothing to do with the starting problem.

[Prits]

I’m going to try the paper clip thing tonight and hope it works. I’ll let you know how I get on. If it works then at least I can rule out what isn’t an issue and focus on everything between the ignition switch to the relay. 

I found this video on YouTube 

He has a diagram starting from ignition switch to the starter motor. Maybe I can show this to Toyota but I’m sure the experts will already know this.

[Prits]

the paper clip trick worked! I can at least explain that to Toyota and that eliminates anything from relay to starter motor. I'll ask for them to check ignition switch and connections and go from there.  

[Kindness]

On 3/8/2018 at 8:18 PM, Prits said:

the paper clip trick worked! I can at least explain that to Toyota and that eliminates anything from relay to starter motor. I'll ask for them to check ignition switch and connections and go from there.  

Hi Prits,

I have the same issue with my semi auto 2009 Toyota Yaris, Did you get your car fixed from Toyota if so what was the issue and how much did they charge.

Thanks

[Ania81]

Hi all,

I would love to find out if the issue was sorted and what was the cause as I have a similar problem on semi auto 2011, and Toyota keeps replacing parts in the gearbox, and the problem has not been fixed.

Thank you