3rd Gen Tacoma: Turn the key or press the button: click or nothing, engine won't crank

Checks, in order

1. Battery voltage
   Resting voltage should be around 12.4 V or more. Under 12 V, charge and load-test the battery before chasing anything else.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Terminals and grounds
   Clean and tighten both battery terminals and the ground cable at the body and engine. Corrosion causes the same click-only symptom.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. Brake pedal and shift position
   Push-start trucks need the brake pedal pressed firmly, and automatics need Park or Neutral. A failing brake light switch can block starting.
   easy $ · under about $50
4. Key fob battery and immobilizer light
   If the dash says it cannot detect the key, hold the fob against the start button as the manual describes, and replace the fob coin cell.
   easy $ · under about $50
5. Starter and relay
   A good battery with a single click and no crank points to the starter or its relay. Swap the starter relay with a matching one from the fuse box as a free test before replacing the starter.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500

Applies to: 2016 to 2023 Tacoma with the 2TR-FE 2.7L four and the 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6, with the 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. Engine-specific checks are labeled; everything else applies to both.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Go deeper

• Tacoma Dual Battery Setup Guide | Off-Grid Power

The same problem on other Toyotas

• 1st Gen Tacoma (1995.5–2004): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 5th Gen 4Runner (2010–2024): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 4th Gen 4Runner (2003–2009): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 3rd Gen 4Runner (1996–2002): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• FJ Cruiser (2007–2014): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 (1998–2007): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 80 Series Land Cruiser (1991–1997): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank

More 3rd Gen Tacoma problems

• Automatic keeps hunting between gears or downshifts early on hills (Transmission)
• Harsh, delayed or shuddering shifts, flare between gears (Transmission)
• Engine temperature climbing or overheating warning (Cooling)
• Engine cranks but won't start or dies right after starting (Fuel & Ignition)
• Rough idle, shaking at a stop or misfire (P0300 to P0306) (Fuel & Ignition)
• Check engine light with lean codes (P0171, P0174) (Emissions)

All 16 3rd Gen Tacoma symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.