200 Series Could Not Start - Owners read this!

[TC.Barky]

Had an interesting situation on a trip exploring the Murray earlier in the week. Left the paj at home and jumped in dads 200 series towing a pop up trailer. Long and short of the scenario was fell in some super sticky ruts while trying to go around a tree and had to winch the trailer sideways to avoid hitting the tree (luckily van setup for that scenario with extra recovery points). Was unable to reverse as there was another hole behind us that the trailer was in and reversing was just pitching the back of the trailer into the ground

Anyway, the issue came up after setting up the winch (multiple snatch blocks to get the winch line back to the side of the trailer). Jumped back in the car to stand on the brake pedal while winching and the bloody 200 series wouldn't start!

This car is a 2016 with the keyless push button start. The green light indicating key connection was fine, the trouble start option (holding the key to the button) did nothing. Just flashed the green key light at us and beeped. User manual just says "contact Toyota dealer if still won't start."

After some thinking (and sweating, me it was hot and humid) we worked out what the issue was. The steering was loaded up with a lot of pressure as we were partially up on the walls of the ruts and basically the electronic actuator that unlocks the steering could not unlock it!

So TLDR of the story is, if your 200 series won't start waggle the steering wheel while pressing the button. Might just save your bacon on the tracks one day! Stupid new fangled tech.

[Seigried]

Wow, well done figuring that one out.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[m_and_m]

x2. Amazed you worked that one out while under pressure on the track.

[TC.Barky]

Full credits to my father, I reckon my only contribution to the solution was suggesting other ideas

[mrbitchi]

Yep. Another thing that stops them dead is a blown brake light fuse

[Kingbrown]

You did well to figure that out.

Something like my experience trying to start a new hilux (manual). No response from the ignition key, no matter what I tried.

RTFM was a last resort, and turns out the clutch pedal has to be pushed through the firewall before the engine will crank over.

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

You did well to figure that out.

Something like my experience trying to start a new hilux (manual). No response from the ignition key, no matter what I tried.

RTFM was a last resort, and turns out the clutch pedal has to be pushed through the firewall before the engine will crank over.

Kinda negates the advantage of having a manual 4x4 when stuck on a steep incline.

[TC.Barky]

Kinda negates the advantage of having a manual 4x4 when stuck on a steep incline.

Yeah wonder if that is overridden when you are in low range or something. Kinda dumb if you can't key start it to get moving on a steep hill

[Paj man]

Kinda negates the advantage of having a manual 4x4 when stuck on a steep incline.

Why's that?

[Peterng]

I had a similar problem with the late model Prado...it was an auto, but I had to have the footbrake engaged...even though the vehicle had the auto in Park and the hand brake on..
Go figure..

In respect to the 200 series not starting..do not get water into the interior, especially with vehicles with electric seats fitted in them.

This is a whole lot of hurt...

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

Why's that?

The Stall Recovery is explained in the link. Incidentally there is a question asking about, in this case a Colorado, the same issue of clutch required for start at the bottom of the page.

http://www.offroadaussie.com/2013/02/4wd-tips-and-tricks-steep-terrain/

[dhula]

I've not checked out a Colorado etc in person but I'd assume the 'clutch in to start engine' feature may be as simple as a micro switch on the pedal that interrupts the start signal n some way.
If so then it'd be a simple thing to disable by unplugging or bypassing so you could start it in gear.
Only thing you'd have to be carefull of is that any micro switch on the clutch might be also used for disconnecting cruise control.

[old Jack]

It might be possible to bypass the clutch switch when low range is selected.

OJ.

[mrbitchi]

I had a similar problem with the late model Prado...it was an auto, but I had to have the footbrake engaged...even though the vehicle had the auto in Park and the hand brake on..
Go figure..
.

Yep. 200 series is like that too. Must have foot on brake pedal to start, hence the issue with the brake light fuse. If the ECU doesn't sense the brake lights are on it thinks you don't have your foot on the brake pedal and therefore wont start.