Toyota Previa won't start

[Peter]

Hi - I am in desperate need of some help.

I have a 95 Previa LE/SC that I bought used about 3 years ago (99k
miles). I has run perfectly, with regular maintenence and now has
about 135k
miles. It has most factory options - powered everything, theft
deterrent system, factory CD/cassette/stereo ...


The problem:
------------
The lights were left on.
The car was locked.

When we returned, there was a "buzzing/clicking" sound from the door.
Opened the door with the key, but the automatic door locks would not
unlock other doors.
Turned off head light switch.
Put in the key, tried to start - no lights came on on the dashboard -
engine did not crank.

Turned off ignition switch.
Returned with friend to try jump starting.
Hooked up jumper cables - tried to start - again nothing - no lights
on dasboard - engine did not crank.
Left keys in ignition - but ignition turned off
Checked jumper cable connectors
Let battery charge a few minutes.
Re-opened drivers door - door chime sounded - saw lights on dashboard.
We attempted to start it with jumpers still attached - horn sounded
one time. It didn't crank over.
Turned key off.
Tried to start again - everything dead.


What I've done so far:
----------------------
Called one mechanic and a dealership. Both suggested the keyless
entry button - however that has only worked once in two years for me -
the alarm system works fine though.
(I think this is a factory alarm system: there is a dim red light in
the middle of the top of the console and a rocker switch above my
left knee below the dashboard marked "horn" and "Toyota".)

They also suggested a new battery - which I bought and installed to
no avail.



Where I am now
--------------
Out of ideas! I came home and found this newsgroup! Anyone have any
suggestions on what the problem might be?

My thought was that the alarm system had disabled everything - but
how do I reset it if the keyless remote doesn't work?
And where would I find the reset to try?

Any help would be appreciated.


Peter Smith.

[MRDCompany]

Message Added: '94 Previa Theft Deterrent Problems
The following information was added to the message board:

Name: Bill McMillan
E-Mail: ***@comcast.net
Subject: '94 Previa Theft Deterrent Problems
Body of Message:

I am experiencing problems with my Previa that it appears can't be
overcome. I can't figure out how the alarm system works, and Toyota
Headquarters and dealers do not seem to know, either.

To our knowledge, we have never activated the alarm (theft deterrent)
system. We had the vehicle for 1 - 1 1/2 years before we ever had
difficulty. Then, one day my wife heard a horn honking on the street.
She almost ignored it, then realized it was our Previa--parked, locked,
beeping and lights blinking. When she keyed the lock, it stopped.

Another time, it went off. When we keyed the lock, it stopped
temporarily. When it went off again that day, it did seem that maybe a
door had been ajar.

I purchased the exhaustive manual from Toyota (hundreds of pages). It
doesn't seem to tell how the alarm works either, though there are some
good diagrams in it.

Did we set the alarm unknowingly? Or is it malfunctioning?

Please advise me where to look for information on disarming the theft
deterrent system. Is it possible to totally override this system? Is it
possible to permanently disable it, or completely remove it from the
vehicle?

Thanks for your help.Please advise me if there's anything I can do.

Bill McMillan

Added on Date: 06:52:23 11/29/03

[ Go to Your Message ] [ Jay Marks Toyota Bulletin Board ]


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[Dan O'Connor]

Post by MRDCompany
I am experiencing problems with my Previa that it appears can't be
overcome. I can't figure out how the alarm system works, and Toyota
Headquarters and dealers do not seem to know, either.

Did you actually take the car in to the dealer for troubleshooting?

The reason your car won't start is that the engine is immobilized when
the theft deterrent system is in the alarmed state.

Since the alarm system is supposed to deactivate when you put the key in
the ignition and turn it to Start, it sounds like you may have a failed
alarm module.

I don't know where the alarm module is on the Previa (in my 4Runner,
it's under the driver's seat), but it's a simple matter for your Toyota
dealer's service department to replace the module—it's just two wiring
harness plugs and a nylon tie holding it in place.

They can also remove the alarm entirely if you like, but it's a lot of
crawling under the dash and takes all day...

--Dan

[solexman]

replying to Peter, solexman wrote:
I guess you have been able to solve this issue...
I have the same on my 91's PREVIA.
Would you be so kind to tell me what the solution was ?
Many Thanks
Regards

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