Avensis Igniton Fault

July 17, 2006

Just had RAC out who have advised me that there is no supply to solenoid, he checked relay and ok,wiring ok from fuse box to starter but no switching of relay from ignition switch..

Any ideas what the fault could be ?????

July 20, 2006

If you get no response when turning the key and sometimes need to wiggle the key in the ignition barrel it could be the ignition switch is duff which happened to mine and others on this site.

I think MrT charged me just over £100 to replace, but there is now a "howto" guide in the workshop part of this site that shows you how to replace the switch.

If your problem is different I will defer judgement for someone else from the site.

July 24, 2006

I've had the same problem, only happens when the in car temp is very high - hot days. This happened to my 1999 Avensis when it was under warrenty and the same is happening again. As I understand it it is the heat on the ignition switch which causes a problem, my usual mechanic thinks I'm having a laugh. I have even taken to putting an ice pack over the switch in very hot weather and it works.

July 25, 2006

I agree with paddymck. My X reg does exactly the same when it's a really hot day. Turn the key and nothing happens, normal temp days its no problem. But I've found if I turn the key so all the warning lights come on the dash, wait a second or two and then turn the engine its fine.

July 27, 2006

I've had the same problem, only happens when the in car temp is very high - hot days. This happened to my 1999 Avensis when it was under warrenty and the same is happening again. As I understand it it is the heat on the ignition switch which causes a problem, my usual mechanic thinks I'm having a laugh. I have even taken to putting an ice pack over the switch in very hot weather and it works.

I've just replaced mine using the workshop guide on this site. The car started acting up when it got hot a few weeks ago and wouldn't turn over. I took the starter motor apart and cleaned it up... put it back in... still not working, took the starter relay cover off and bridged the gap, and it turned over. My first thought was to replace the relay, which I did at a cost of £40. However when I fitted it the car wouldnt start. I decided then to google this problem and have found this site, which has helped me crack the problem.

When I took the steering column cover off though I had quite a bit of bother as I couldnt get the ignition barrell off. The clamp holding it on had been tightened up with what looked like special bolts. These had sheared off to prevent removal when tight. Quite a bit of fiddleing ensued before I managed to get it out. The mechanical assembly litterally disintegrated in my hands, showing what a badly designed and engineered component it is.

Funnily enough Inshcape Derby seemes to have a lot of assemblies in stock, I had to wait 4 days for the relay.

Thank you TOC and keep up the good work