Hey people, I’m experiencing an issue with my 2008 diesel Yaris. I installed a new battery three months ago, and it was working fine until today when it wouldn’t start. I tried jump-starting it with another car but that didn’t help either. Do you think the problem might be with the starter motor or the starter relay?
I recently faced this issue with my 1.3 petrol model. After fitting a new battery, my starter sometimes won’t engage. A gentle tap with a hammer usually gets it working again. You might need a new starter or consider rebuilding the existing one.
@Kel
Thanks, I’ll look into getting it changed. I’m currently searching for a replacement. Mine is the 1.4 diesel with auto transmission.
If it’s a manual, check the clutch sensor. I’ve also seen transmission cables break in autos, causing the car to be in drive while the shifter is in park. I once bypassed the start relay, and my wife stepping on the brake saved my day. Just a couple of ideas! You should really follow it up with a multimeter. You might have ignition issues that can sometimes resolve temporarily by jiggling the key. Also, check the voltage at the start relay and ensure you’re getting a signal to close it.
@Alden
Thanks for the advice! I checked everything, and voltage was fine. It’s definitely looking like the starter motor is the issue.
It could be a bad relay or a blown fuse. Don’t forget to check the fuse box in the engine bay.
Milo said:
It could be a bad relay or a blown fuse. Don’t forget to check the fuse box in the engine bay.
I just checked, and it’s definitely the starter motor.
Milo said:
It could be a bad relay or a blown fuse. Don’t forget to check the fuse box in the engine bay.
I just checked, and it’s definitely the starter motor.
I had the same issue with my Kia Picanto.
What head unit are you using?
Skyler said:
What head unit are you using?
It’s a cheap Chinese variant I ordered from AliExpress, but it doesn’t work very well.
In my opinion, use a multimeter to test the current at your starter while someone else turns the key. This will determine if the issue lies with your starter or if it’s further up in the circuit.
ReubenSparks said:
In my opinion, use a multimeter to test the current at your starter while someone else turns the key. This will determine if the issue lies with your starter or if it’s further up in the circuit.
Thank you! I tested it that way and found voltage was fine, so it’s definitely the starter motor.
There’s a switch that prevents it from cranking unless you’re in park. Try shifting in and out of park a few times to flex that switch. Otherwise, check for voltage at the starter relay coil while the key is in the start position. Don’t replace the starter and solenoid until you check for voltage to crank the engine.
@JamesHenry
Thanks for the suggestions! I did that, and the car is in the garage now. The voltage was fine, but the starter motor is seized. I even tried hitting it with a hammer, but that didn’t work.
@Oak
It’s good that you checked the basics before taking it to a shop. Sounds like you did everything right.