Hey Guys, im new here, got my daughter a 2011 scion TC about a year ago, and it started (turn on ignition on occasion and would be nothing) try it again it would start like there is no problem. i replaced ground wire for the battery thinking maybe just a bad connection. every 4-5 times of starting you would have to turn the key a second or third try and it would start. recently i noticed when she starts it she may have to turn ignition 5-6+ times and it will start. she called this morning and it just wouldnt start at all.

Dash lights all come on, lights are not dim... think likely starter? Possibly relay? not likely but maybe brakesensor? any suggestions where i shall begin ?

 

These issues are hard to diagnose on the web. Sounds like it's either a battery or a fuel delivery problem though. I've also had similar issues when I had failing ignition coils and plugs. Also hard to tell if it's a starter without hearing/feeling it - as they have a very similar behavior to a battery when they start to fail. In AZ batteries rarely last more than 2 years so I'd start by getting the battery itself tested/replaced and then work your way down the line from there if that doesn't fix it.

 

......listen to hear if the starter relay clicks when turning the key/ignition switch to the START position.

If the relay clicks, there are only a few things to check/inspect.

If the relay does not click, there are many, many, SO MANY things to check/inspect.

I recently commented in another forum about a "no start" situation regarding a Scion xB.......the process for checking/inspecting is the same for tC. I'll include a link at the bottom.

IF the relay clicks and the starter does not engage, test for power on the starter solenoid wire at the solenoid lug WHILE someone holds the ignition key in the START position. If you have power, remove the starter, take it to an auto parts store and have the starter tested. Replace if it fails the test.

If the relay clicks, and you DONT have power on the solenoid lug/wire, you will need to inspect that solenoid wire for any damage between the lug all the way to the battery (including the fusible link associated with the starter).

Click the link below. Read my comment (#12) Good luck.

https://www.clubxb.com/threads/start.../#post-1522765

 

thanks for the response. when i say you have to turn key several times, it is a NO CRANK, starter does not spin.

I dont see likely to be a fuel issue since it will not crank. i suppose its possible its a battery problem, i could just swap battery or just jump off another vehicle to confirm that real quick, but when it usually does start it sure dont seem weak, and lights bright etc.

I was thinking to jump the starter direct from battery to see if the starter has quit completely. Im really leaning to a starter issue...Im not at the car currently and will have to go check it out further this evening, im curious if the starter is making a click, but it is def not spinning or even trying to.. Also was curious if the brake switch or even relay was a common failure with these cars.

 

thank you!! Will check this !!!

 

Knowing more details about it's behavior, I would definitely start with the battery. I rarely, if ever, see these cars with more serious issues than that.

 

Well, totally shocked but the answer was the a battery!

So weird it never dragged when starting and lights seemed bright on the non start times, as well as dash lights blower etc.

thanks for the help!

 

my first battery I changed at 7 years, current is on year 4. Oem Toyota. Can’t recommend it enough

 

ok. so i thought this solved the problem, only a couple days after the new battery it was still doing the same thing.

it is not consistent, somedays it just clicks and then try numerous times it starts. some days starts first try. so think i was just wishful thinking and it just so happened started after the battery replacement.

so took the starter off and couldn't get the starter rebuild shop to find anything wrong with starter, he took it apart and brushes looked new, and no starter problems. reinstalled and still doing a single click then may start on the second, third, or tenth try....
so frustrating.

so i was going to replace the starter relay next. i feel like relays either work or dont, and likely not going to solve anything but gonna give it a try..... cant seem to confirm where the relay is? looked at diagram and do not see location... do these have starter relays?

any other ideas?

 

Still have the issue with this car... Driving me crazy. Can hear a click at the starter, but no start. then after a couple times it starts. sometimes on first try..

I took starter to starter shop and they tested and it worked everytime. I replaced the solenoid just because i had the starter out and didnt fix...I just ordered a new starter to try that, but dont think it will be in...

Is it possible im not getting the correct voltage to the starter? if so why? Or why only on occasion?

 

I hear the click, solonoid even seems to be getting warm if i try severl tries with no start.