**help!! Camry having problems starting** - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

rowdy_smith · 05-31-2011, 08:23 AM

Hello all,
I'm new to the hybrid world and to this forum. I just bought a certified '08 Camry Hybrid with nav (39k miles) and it was flawless for the first week. However, I'm starting to run into a problem with starting the vehicle. The problem appears to be totally random, as it doesn't occur every time I try to start the vehicle. What I've noticed is that when I go to start the car and apply the brakes (firmly), there is no green light on the push button. If I push the button anyway, the car will just go into ACC mode and the dash lights, nav screen, warning lights, etc will come on; but there is no "READY" light and the vehicle will not come out of park. When this happens, the only way I can start the vehicle is to just continue to pump the brakes and eventually the green light will come on. One other thing to add is that when this problem occurs and I get NO green light, the brake lights will not come on either (which leads me to believe it may be a faulty brake switch). I've checked the 12-volt battery and tested good so I don't think that's the problem. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Does a faulty brake switch sound plausible? If so, where is the brake switch on the hybrid camry? I've followed the brake all the way under the dash and I can't seem to identify it. I see several wiring harnesses but not the brake switch. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

andym1978 · 05-31-2011, 08:40 AM

Hmm... If the brake lights are not coming on when you press the brake pedal, that is definitely a problem. I would definitely take it to the dealership for a repair since this could also cause your vehicle to fail it's next inspection. It seems probable that it's simply the brake pedal switch that needs repair or replacement.

Good luck.

acouse · 05-31-2011, 09:41 AM

I agree with AndyM Rowdy and it's seems to be a faulty switch/sensor somewhere; most likely the brake pedal mechanism. I also agree to take your TCH into the dealership for a proper diagnosis.

danealle · 05-31-2011, 02:50 PM

The switch that makes the brake lights light up when the pedal is depressed is called the stop lamp switch. I don't know where it's actually located but the dealer charges $180 to replace it.

Not sure if a bad stop lamp switch would cause the car not to start but it certainly is a safety issue.

ukrkoz · 05-31-2011, 03:19 PM

curious am i, if it still falls under power train warranty. prolly not.
those switches are not bad to replace, just very hard to get to. if it's a switch, of course.
i'd start with dealer who sold the car and raise voice some. if it was certified, it has to be worry free. do your best to have it done by them under some warranty, one or the other.