Ignition problems - 96 Toyota Camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

cocklebank · 05-08-2011, 05:01 AM

All of a sudden I can't get my Toyota camry 96 to start. I can turn the key to 'On' but can't get it to to move to 'start' All lights on the dash come on (oil, engine etc) but I noticed that the security light is still flashing - can't remember if it always did this. Do you think this is mechanical issue or has my immobiliser kicked in for some reason?

I've got a auto locksmith booked in for tomorrow but the call out is REALLY expensive! if it is the immobiliser is there any way to reset it and avoid a hefty call out charge?

Many thanks!

***RningOnFumes*** · 05-08-2011, 05:19 AM

Welcome to TN!

Does the camry have an alarm and have you trouble shooted that? I'm not sure it it is any different down under but over here we can depress a valet switch to turn the alarm off. It would be located (usually) on the driver's left knee or somewheres there. Hold down the button (momentary switch) with the key in the on position. When you hear the horn or the alarm beep, the alarm is disarmed and you should be able to start the engine-- assuming it is related to the alarm.

cocklebank · 05-08-2011, 05:33 AM

It does have an alarm but I haven't looked into that - I can't recall seeing any switch to disarm it but I can go up the road and check (anything to save 300 bucks!).

I'm just a bit confused as to what the immobiliser actually disables. Would all other electrics still be working?

I also read somewhere that unhooking the battery for a bit will reset it, do you think this is worth a try - sorry, I'm a total noob when it comes to cars.

Thanks

***RningOnFumes*** · 05-08-2011, 05:49 AM

The immobilizer disables the starter..usually. Yes, all other electronics should work fine.

Yes, you could try to just unhook the battery but before you do that have the alarm's remote handy as it might come on automatically.

I just read your original post again...might not even be the alarm at all. It could just be you have a problem at the steering column. The immobilizer has nothing to do with the problem of being able to fully twist the key. This would mean a problem for a mechanic to look at.

One more remote-[pun not intended]possibility (after rereading the post) is that your steering wheel has locked itself. Try putting in the key into the column and jiggle both the steering wheel and the key. This will loosen up the lock and hopefully will allow you to fully turn the key.

cocklebank · 05-08-2011, 05:57 AM

Yeah, the locksmith reckons it sounds mechanical, it's just the blinking security light made me think the immobiliser might have kicked in.

I have been jiggling the wheel, it's really tough to get the steering lock off but it seems to unlock just before the key clicks to 'on' and displays the engine lights.

I haven't had the car long and the key is really loose and wobbly, so it leads me to think that the ignition has been troublesome (although of course, the previous owner claims no knowledge)

Oh well, I guess I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and await the recovery man

***RningOnFumes*** · 05-08-2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocklebank

I haven't had the car long and the key is really loose and wobbly, so it leads me to think that the ignition has been troublesome (although of course, the previous owner claims no knowledge)

Bingo!