2010 Rav 4. Suddenly the car won’t start with the fob
2 Answers
I have a similar problem...just started about 3 months ago...intermittently, the car won't start. And at times, the engine will shutoff while my daughter is driving, and then restart without any actions on her part (it happened to me as well). I checked the fuses...there was one (cigarette lighter fuse) that was bad...not sure how that went bad because my daughter doesn't smoke. I also replaced the brake switch, which is tied to the brake, and integral to the light coming on the start button. That didn't fix it. I also was hearing power (when the car is off) coming to the starter. I replaced the starter, but that didn't fix it. Research that I have done is making me think it's the ECM (car's computer...not cheap). I've read many comments that Toyota's ECM on Rav4's somehow lose the solder joints on the control board. I've also learned that Toyota has upgraded the code for the ECM for the Rav 4, which may explain that there's a problem (not sure if it's related to the start function) with the ECM if it was upgraded. I'm about to purchase an ECM, thinking that's the problem. I looked to see if there were any error codes that would indicate something is wrong, but didn't find any. If the ECM is bad, it may not be registering any fault codes...I haven't replaced the starter button, but don't think that's the problem because sometimes the engine stops (while driving), and that shouldn't be due to a bad starter button. My battery is also draining frequently, which means something is pulling a charge from the battery (when the car is off)...it's got to be the ecm. There are no recalls from Toyota on the ECM (yet). I did submit a complaint to the NHTSA, hoping that perhaps others may have similar problems that it would turn into a recall...it's pretty dangerous when the engine shuts off while you are driving...hope this helps...let me know if you find a solution, and I'll do the same.
Following up on my troubleshooting. Today, I replaced the ECM and that still didn't fix the problem. I'm now very frustrated because the ECM was $300 refurbished. The only thing that I haven't swapped out is the Ignition (start engine) switch. That may be difficult to get to because you have to take the cover off that surrounds the mid-console area...I'll figure that out I guess...any luck on your side?
