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Ignition does not come on when I press the engine switch

Tiny
MALLYBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 258,641 MILES
My vehicle has not been turning ignition on when I depress brake pedal and press the engine start button. I have changed the main body ECU to see if it solved the problem but it didn't. I change the engine the engine start button but it didn't solved it. What could be component or which harness is short causing this problem?
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Monday, July 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Does anything electrical work on the vehicle? Also, have you checked for power to the starter? Here is a link that explains how to do that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Have you checked the basics such as the fuses and the starter relay? I have attached two pics below. They are the entire wiring schematic for the starting system on this vehicle. I highlighted three fuses I would like you to check.

Note: When checking a fuse, it is important to make sure the fuse is good, but even more important to confirm there is power to it. Here is a link showing how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

In addition to the fuses, I need you to check the related relays. They are located in the engine room junction box.

Pics 3 and 4 show the fuses I need to be checked as well as three relays that may be bad. As far as the fuses, again, confirm there is power to and from. As far as the relays, if there are other relays with the same part number, switch them one at a time to see if any make a difference. If there isn't one to use, here is a link showing how to test a relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Monday, July 26th, 2021 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 309 POSTS
No electrical work has been done on the vehicle. For the basic: I have check the fuses before replacing main body ECU and engine switch: starter fuse, IG2 fuse and Am1 fuse all okay. I check the Ig2 relay using battery voltage apply on terminal 5 and 2 and it was clicking. I check resistance on terminal 1 and 3, there was resistance. I also used test-lamp to check power on terminal 5 of engine R/B IG2 relay connector, the light illuminate brightly, I remove IG2 fuse and it off. I also check power on the main body ecu socket(A)1 and (B)6 the light illuminate brightly.
Engine Switch: I also check for power between terminal 11 and ground(4, 5) the test lamp illustrates. So remaining smart key box and ECM to test ignition signal.
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like you have been busy. I attached some general diagnostics for when you check the immobilizer module.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
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  • 309 POSTS
Yeah, I was busy tracing the wires one after another on the ignition diagram. I have check the smart box and it tested okay. How would I test those 2- ignition wires from ECM for power?
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Which two are you referring to? Are you referring to the ECU?

Let me know. I'm sorry but I'm not sure which wires you are referring to. LOL

I will watch for your reply.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
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On the ECM: Socket B2(8)(STA) gray and B3(11)(STAR) black. This is what I am referring to.
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The black wire turns to violet at the starter relay. This wire should provide a 5v reference to the relay engaging the relay and then sending power to the starter (s solenoid/green wire) to engage the starter.

Check for a 5v reference from the ECU on the black wire when the start button is pressed.

The gray wire (turns to blue at the cut relay) will only receive power if the transmission is in park or neutral and you pressure the starter button.

Let me know if that makes sense or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
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How do I Check for a 5v reference from the ECU on the black wire when the start button is pressed using multimeter?
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 11:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You should be able to do it with a multimeter. Ground one side and probe the wire. Is that what you mean?

Joe
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Friday, July 30th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
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  • 309 POSTS
Okay! I have probe the wire but readings on the wire from ECM, could it be that the ECM is bad?
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm not sure I understand what you found. When you indicated checking the wire, "but the readings on the wire from ECM, " I'm not sure what you found. If there is no signal, the ECM could be bad or an open in the wire.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
MALLYBOY
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"but the readings on the wire from ECM". Oh! Sorry, it's a mistake. I mean "there was no voltage readings on the reference wire from the ECM, could it be that the ECM is bad?
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 11:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Yes, it could indicate that. What you will need to do is go right to the module and check for a signal at the connection (right at the pin where it connects). If it has a signal, then you have an open in the wire. If it doesn't, chances are the module is the problem.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 AT 3:47 PM

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