Display telling to push the engine switch

Why your Toyota Push Button Start isn’t working

If you have a Toyota vehicle equipped with a Smart Key and Push Button Start, you may come across an instance where the Start button isn’t working. This could be happening for a number of reasons—4, to be exact. In an effort to help you out, we have laid out the reasons why Push Button Start might not be working in your Toyota vehicle along with some potential fixes.

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Hand Pressing Push Button Start

4 Reasons why your Toyota isn’t starting with the Start button

  1. You are not pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Make sure your foot is firmly pressed on the brake pedal while pressing the Start button.
  2. Your Smart Key battery is weak or dead. Try holding your Smart Key next to the Start button while pressing. If this doesn’t work, you may need to change the Smart Key battery. You can find instructions for this in your Owner’s Manual.
  3. The vehicle’s engine battery is weak. If this is the case, you will need to visit your local Toyota Service Center for a diagnosis and potentially a new battery.
  4. The Smart Key deactivation switch was accidentally pressed. Your Toyota vehicle may be equipped with a deactivation switch, which is located at the bottom of the instrument panel on the dashboard right below the steering wheel.

Read more: How to start your Toyota with remote engine start

If you have any other questions or run into additional issues with your Toyota Smart Key and Push Button Start or any other system inside your Toyota, we invite you to get in touch with our team at Toyota Vacaville or contact your local Toyota dealer. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your Toyota tech!