darobcop

hey guys-

i've been having a strange issue starting recently. i turn the key to position-2, instrument panel lights up as you would expect. i turn to position-3, nothing happens - no clicking, no turnover, like it doesn't even try. after a few tries, car starts and turns over fine (sounds like a normal start - does not struggle). sometimes, if i leave it in position-3 for a few seconds, without letting go, 10+ seconds once, it eventually starts up.

when it doesn't want to start, all the electronics work just fine when in Accessory mode - audio, headlights, instrument panel, navi display. during the problem starts, nothing flickers and i haven't lost any radio/navi memory yet.

problem is intermittent. on some days, there no problem whatsoever. it's pretty random.

i've brought the car to the dealer recently (unrelated visits) and they always test the battery as part of their inspection list, and it tests fine. i've searched and read a few threads about battery/terminal issues, but i dont think that's the issue here.

it seems to be getting worse as the days go on. last night, it took me almost 5 minutes to start it, but it eventually started after many many tries. when it finally does start, it sounds like a normal start! something to note - i did have low fuel last night when this happened, but no warning light. after fueling up, the problem went away for the night. This morning, however, it took me two separate throws into position-3 before it would start. damn! (thought it was related to low fuel)

i plan to take it in this week to the dealer, but just wanted to see if anyone has any ideas. ignition, fuel pump, etc.?

it's so weird!

Koreandude007

Have them check the starter. Sounds like the same thing happen to me. turns out that I had a starter sticking at the begining of each cycle and the dealship replaced it under warranty. it would take me three trys to finally start the car, and like you said, sometimes it would start right up with out any problems.

akertulis

i dont know if it could be the same problem but mine was doing the samething and i thought maybe starter and so i replaced and it didnt change anything and untill i took the HFL out and had it replaced is when it stopped. Hope you figure something out maybe try unplugging the HFL to see if it fires up rite away. Its a simple test and if that doesnt change then id go to starter maybe but i wasted the money on buying a starter even though it wasnt that expensive but i coulda skipped that step for something cheaper.

eg5

iTrader: (4)

op. sounds like starter issue.
akertulis, sounds like the hfl was draining your battery. did you have to jump start your car?

csmeance

is there ANY sort of noise like the motor trying to crank? Clicking? Tapping?

My guess is that it's the ignition switch and the "one turn start" feature with the car. The 2007+ TL has the feature where you can turn the key once and release, and it'll crank by itself until it starts.

LoveMyTL-S

Loved that feature. You didn't have to hold the key until it started.

Majofo

sounds like the starter is the culprit.

darobcop

hey guys. got an update.

took it in. dealer diagnosed and said the starter was definitely the issue (it was "intermittently engaging"). they replaced it for me.

just bought the 08 TL-S in Dec as a CPO, so i'm still under the 12-month or 12k miles bumper-to-bumper thing you get with CPOs. it costed me $0.

hope it works!

thanks for all the input.

eg5

iTrader: (4)

i do believe the ignition switch sends signal to pcm then pcm to starter. i know 09 tls are this way. so im guessing the model before has the same setup