Toyota Matrix no start diagnosis

[@mdotguy]

Replacement of that starter is made easier by removing the radiator fan/expansion tank assembly. 1 hose, 1 electrical connection, 2 10mm bolts, and 2 annoying cable clips. Lift it out, and you have tons of space to work. Re/re starter with that procedure takes about 15 minutes. No hoist, no jack, everything done from the top.

[@thetapper61]

One secret also after like you said pulling out the fan you must use a six point socket to take out the upper mounting starter bolt. A 12 point will most likely round out the bolt like it almost did for me twice.

[@AbhayMishra-md8sq]

Thank You @Toyota Maintenance. My 2005 Matrix would not start. Tried the hammer trick and it started :-)...drove it back home and it won't start again. Changed the starter and noticed I was now not getting enough power, Had the battery checked and it had died. Got a replacement battery and it still won't start (very little power to the dashboard with some flickering). Then I rewind your Video. I started to clean the battery terminals again and make it look like new. Reconnected the terminals, and I see I have full power now. and Then it started:-). Hope this helps someone. God bless u all.

[@bashirbayramkulov5928]

I am so appreciate you. Just stacked on the parking lot, tried everything, including jumpstart, nothing help. Found your video, and followed your steps, and it saved me. Thank you very much

[@peterquaintance950]

My coworker's 2005 Matrix would not start. Thought it might be the battery (also very corroded terminals), so I tried giving her a jump - no dice. Came across this video, and gave the solenoid a couple light taps as she turned it over...IT STARTED RIGHT UP! Great video, subscribed.

[@maryannvillarreal7341]

Thank you for all the detail....I am a woman and your video alone got my car started. Keep sharing videos like these for people (women) that all we need is guidance. Youre awesome

[@amylee3531]

Good for you! I grew up in an alcohol dragster design shop, a welding shop, boat repair and car repair shop. My step dad at 13-14 taught me that if anyone is going to drive, they MUST know how to repair and check certain things. I grew up before cell phones and in the country. I refused to not learn because I didn't want any untrustworthy people stopping to help "the poor woman in distress". It makes you feel great when you don't have to rely on anyone for stuff all drivers should know. I find even more now, people havebt a clue how to even change a tire or check their oil. They just call someone else. Let's face it, women taking cars to a shop STILL get ripped off!

[@pgreenx]

I wish I had a mechanic as caring and thorough as you where I live

[@bbkmm1]

Of course you can't give it back to the customer like that. You have to give him a hammer too.

[@maryannvillarreal7341]

That was funny...lol

[@robertborne895]

😂😂

[@dchristo10]

I had a 2003 Matrix and the only part that ever failed was the starter. That and the odometer stopped at 299,999, but that was a design issue.

[@Catayst-123]

Outstanding Testing Trusted Toyota!

[@1jackvalley580]

Scotty Kilmer said Toyota should never have stopped making the Matrix because it's an outstanding vehicle 👍

[@stntmn99]

@@1jackvalley580 I have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe, exactly the same as the Matrix. Not a problem in 200,000 miles. UNTIL, I am ready to trade it in on this coming Monday, no start! 5 years on the battery, got a new one, cleaned the terminals, no start. Going to try the tapping tomorrow and see what happens.

[@dalepremo3695]

Well done and thank you for the video. Once again, customer has no clue about their own equipment. Cleaning corrosion off terminals is something my wife knows about and certainly would have help the situation in the first place. I have to say, I was surprised that the starter didn't catch at first after that good terminal cleaning, but obviously they go bad, too.

[@amylee3531]

I fond it ironic how little people understand about corroded battery terminals. Logic: if you have a remote control or a child's toy that has corroded batteries, everyone removes them immediately and cleans out the acid. Why would they think not to do that with a vehicle?

[@charlessapp9286]

process of elimination, great catch Peter.

[@george420]

Lol woooow. I was so sure it would be the terminal keeping it from starting

[@bc2109]

My dad showed me the tapping starter trick a long time ago and still stands true. Thanks, great video.

[@joshthompiano]

Thank you SO MUCH! My Toyota Matrix has about the same mileage as the one you had and had THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS! At first I thought battery also, and really had some after-market positive housing as well but not the corrosion. I watched this and THANK GOD you had shown this because honestly all I had to do was smack my solenoid of the starter just like you, and it gave me that "one last trip" to the auto shop to get a new starter. I have liked, subscribed and commented to support your efforts to help others as you helped me today good Sir!

[@scottjohnson5449]

you are a "TRUE ZEN MASTER" of the auto world, my good friend!!!!!! thanks sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!

[@MarzNet256]

Diagnosis with a hammer...nicely done. I have a 2006 Matrix with 150k mi. Love these cars. They are mini SUVs.

[@d.robertquinlan5940]

This literaly just happened to me...I did the battery check and terminals but its to dark outside now.. so ill be a tappn the solenoid come morning light !!!! thank you for this video .. Ohh and may I compliment you on the cleanliness of your shop/garage

[@mannyroias3392]

I changed my matrix starter its only two bolts to remove on opposite ends and the connections. part of the air filter hose gets in the way so you might need to remove it. Great video!

[@amylee3531]

Just found your videos today and I really like them! Too bad you don't live in Southern Ontario Canadabor I would bring my car to you :) My parents gave me a Toyota Matrix(2012) about 8 months ago for free. It's in GREAT shape as they barely used it. They retired and no longer needed 2 vehicles. My dad did alot of upgrading work for me which was great. I've always repaired my own vehicles but since I have never owned a Matrix, I've been relying on your knowledge and videos to show me a couple things I am not familiar with. Currently my engin light is on and ii realized I have a coolant/Antifreeze leak somewhere. Also my TRAC OFF light has gotten stuck on and the button barely moves.. Once it's not 41°C(105.8°F) I'm going to go work with the car. Fingers crossed I can fix it without taking it to a shop! Sadly females still get shafted by many mechanics no matter how much they actually know about fixing cars. Thanks for your super friendly videos! 💕

[@SPARTAN-dj4rv]

@Toyota Maintenance , thanks for this video. My matrix had the exact same problem and now I fixed it myself. Thanks a ton. 🛠 💪

[@rightlanehog3151]

Only 15 years old with 228,000 miles of indifferent maintenance and the starter is failing already ;)

[@vvogt4252]

Awesome Diagnosis! Great Work.

[@andrewhardcastle7982]

Oh so many times that has worked for me too. Great video

[@detonator2274]

Thank you! Nice trick. It helped me get the car running and avoid the tow truck. Although, I did need help inside starting the car while I was hitting the starter.

[@cartel8265]

Same thing happened to my Matrix, I saw your video and did the same thing and it works. Thanks!

[@1jackvalley580]

Wonderful job Peter, Thank You!!!!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this information. And video. I would change that positive cable and clean the negative cable also.. clean the top of the battery ,check water level.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Batteries have gotten so damn expensive that a Chinese starter may be cheaper!

[@njsongwriter]

I would never willingly buy anything made in China unless I had absolutely no choice.

[@BK-yu8xh]

Same thing happened to my 2004 corolla probably 3 years ago. I was in Mexico and had it towed to a shop and they took the starter apart and rebuilt it and got it going. My father in law who's from there told me that they always rebuild the Starters and alternators in the shop instead of ordering rebuilt ones or new ones. Same car is going strong to this day.

[@cawschwarzraben359]

Same exact problem with my 2005 Corolla. Replaced starter 13 years into its life.

[@chrispappas6188]

Great videos very informative.keep up the good work

[@pepeshopping]

You DO NOT need to input the CCA on the tester! You input it only for reference. It does not get used or changes any output from the tester. I just press next and if needed, check the CCA of the battery after. All car batteries should be above 500 CCA so it’s easy to tell if a battery is bad (CCA and internal resistance).

[@dazasmit2048]

I agree.

[@johnnyhatesjazz7434]

Very useful information . Thank you for sharing.

[@eddenflores8637]

Thanks to your video my car started

[@donaldpedigo296]

... As Always ... A Very Informative and Helpful Video ...

[@crisg2679]

Thank you for the great video!

[@beeepizzle]

Great tutorial, as always!

[@endtimesigns6012]

hay just had to say the video was helpful,,, but your modest kind way was the highlight for me!!! a gentleman and gentle soul, god bless you and your family!! thank you for renewing my faith in humanity, this video was helpful in many ways,,

[@golddiggerxxxxx]

Awesome video thanks a lot. Same problem it’s happening whit my Toyota atm. Thanks

[@captaincavendish1227]

Good work....Wish I had a Toyota expert here in Buffalo,NY

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hello, Buffalo! I was born there many moons ago.

[@mdotguy]

He's 100 miles away, but Eric O at South Main Auto is as thorough and knowledgeable as this fella here.

[@davidnull5590]

As mdotguy said, Eric O. at South Main auto in Avoca New York at the south end of I390. He charges $80 for a one hour diagnosis, he finds the problem or no charge, I've been there twice, he's excellent.

[@candeffect]

Check the water level. The caps are the removable type.

[@1ronhall]

Thanks for your proper approach and diagnosis ...... however, if you replace the starter, wouldn’t the customer be best served with a new OEM positive side battery cable?

[@lawburnaby5964]

GREAT JOB👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jonvejchaiyo]

Thank you so much !!! It’s really work 🙏🙏🙏

[@8power0]

You should have done a voltage drop test at the battery cable to the battery post first . You would of saved a lot time thank you for the video .

[@michaeldiaz754]

Now that you figured out it was the starter. Instead of buying a new starter. Just buy a rebuild kit and replace the contacts and solenoid. Show people how to do that instead of a rebuilt starter.

[@InternetDude]

Labor is cheaper to swap the part. But I get your point, things can be repaired not replaced. Most mechanics are parts changers...

[@bsouffrant08]

You just saved me so much time

[@jamesharkness1058]

Great video!

[@shammera916]

Thanks for the trick.

[@marciamenage931]

Excellent check and fix :)

[@LulaPlays]

Could use help! I drive my car for a bit (starts up perfectly) and get home, shut car off, and try to re-start it and it won't start....but then it will start up 5 or so minutes later. any assistance on this? It is def not the battery as I just replaced the battery a couple weeks back.

[@nello8630]

great video.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Very helpful.

[@vladislavkalashnikov1744]

Thank you so much!!! It worked!!

[@snhongo1]

Great video there👏👏

[@gam85191]

Wow thats amazing

[@barbeque44]

Thank you Very much, Very Helpful

[@miriamvivo4279]

Excellent. Great .

[@imediaaudition9468]

This really helped.. thanks a lot

[@Calvin7007]

Thank U Sir 😷

[@donnierobertson3088]

Nice job

[@brianl4310]

this is EXACTLY what i had to do my car thanks

[@kaceeenglish9370]

I have a 2005 matrix with 230 K and wouldn’t start battery is corroded bad try to jump , nothing. So hopefully this does the trick thanks.

[@polloloci21]

Had the same problem on my base 09 Matrix. 155k miles. I cleaned the positive terminal and it started right up. Now I’m wondering if my starter is going bad.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I just replaced the starter relay in 2003 Vibe. {Matrix''''''' Because of intermittant no crank.I broke into the old relay with pliers to see what is what and there was what looked like lint from the clothesdrier balled up between the points.Must have been in there since assembly.A Denso relay.I will keep it for spare.I closed it up with black tape..CHEERS from Westcoast Canada!

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent! Gotta add a hammer to car's toolbox. Use the claw for pullin" pins.

[@ChrisVargasrpht2000chris]

Love it please tell us the check engine codes also

[@njsongwriter]

I don't suppose this will be seen but here goes. We have a 2009 FWD Toyota RAV4 Base model with 2.5 L AR-FE engine. The transmission is running hot anywhere from 196°F to 226°. I would like to have an aftermarket transmission cooler installed. Any suggestions?

[@ElectoneGuy]

I'm still running the original OEM battery in my 2011 RAV4.

[@jeffreysantos9070]

9 years old battery 👍 nice. Scotty is right. Toyota is #1

[@33maple]

Mine lasted 10 years, batteries have come a long way. Good on Toyota.

[@briangray5921]

Those clamp on ends are junk. Everyone I used has failed in same way. Enough juice to power system but not enough to start

[@texas3258]

Nice

[@memphistenn77]

Hey my 2011 scion xb check engine light I'm trying to find out why?? I'm getting a lot of weird answers but no luck!! Any videos... thanks

[@stibby5906]

The starter/solenoid may not have actually been bad. With the amount of corrosion and the painted after market lead it could have been that not enough power was getting to the solenoid for it to operate properly and the starter system simply locked itself. I've seen it happen a few times.

[@Dji5hy]

How exactly does tapping the solenoid make the starter work again? I don’t understand how that works

[@user-hv9bx6yp4g]

We switched batteries, same thing happened until replacing starter. But if the starter goes out, like what recently happened, it doesn't crank. As soon as it goes out .Normally, cars crank a.. just like before on the first replacement. Dont know why..

[@javierh6997]

my 2004 xrs makes the normal sound right into a grinding noise like it retracts at the last second. Is it the starter or something else like the battery.

[@Vekurus]

I don't know what it is about these Toyotas and their battery terminals. My 07 Corolla S was so bad, it corroded THROUGH the positive terminal completely. Not enough Dielectric grease? Bad water control through the wheel wells?

[@KrisiClevenstine-qq9dt]

This is great except my toyota matrix did exactly same but did NOT start when we smacked the starter. We changed the starter and it still won't start. Battery is fine and tested we changed the ignition switch before. Could it be the relay?? help me 🙏

[@rogjackson]

Check Engine light is on. I would have used a wire wheel on the terminals, clamps, and wire ends as well as filing inner terminal clamp area. And check the battery fluid levels.

[@tealpaintbrush1797]

When I turn on my car, I hear a simple click sound as long as the key is turned in forward. Battery was tested fine. As I found online, I tapped on the starter gently with a wrench and then the car started fine. Does this mean starter has gone bad? Or is it starter relay? Appreciate the help.

[@elwoodmorine]

Can you please tell me where the ignition module is located in 06 Toyota matrix

[@29madmangaud29]

ahahhahah,,,,,,,,,, I've just had this "SAME" > "EXACT" instance happen with me, today,,,,,, on my Geo Metro 3/5. I've replaced it,,,, and returned the core about ONE hour ago........... > thanks Mr. Toy Maint.

[@ComfyWombat]

Here is a trick to loosen something like that up in the future. You can use a solution of BiCarb soda (baking powder) and water, to dissolve the crusty buildup, in a few seconds.

[@msa_0619]

Hey there. I'm calling from Houston TX I have 2004 toyota matrix rx I would could you tell me where I can start checking the toyota matrix rx no AC setbelt the cluster display does not light up bright & display screen that can't see the number on the display screen 🤔

[@s5loh974]

My matrix giving me this problem atm, changed starters and it won’t work still, changed the fuse relay and it worked, next morning it didn’t. Not gone lie once it comes to replacing parts, that shits highway robbery

[@howardboucher4744]

love the accent can you say I am from Minne so ta

[@Catayst-123]

Wow Great Technician Thanks for the Video Take Care & Godspeed!

[@KRColson]

Wouldn't you just have to change the solenoid? Or are they all one piece for this model vehicle? The starter could have been checked by shorting the solenoid contacts and see if it turns over, is so then the solenoid is the culprit, if not, the starter would likely be bad.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

This is same issue with my daughter's 2006 Corolla - bad starter.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

I've used that hammer trick on a strangers's car by the roadside, decades ago.

[@SuperDagod1]

Where is this guys shop?

[@on-site4094]

There’s a little or a lot of corrosion on that + battery terminal 🔋 some people just no how to put gas in it and zoom 🏎 that battery is off gassing a lot

[@alfredopaez9097]

👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CP-pb3pj]

That FM transmitter should be disconnected when not in use. It can drain your battery if left connected to the port.

[@stibby5906]

I have had that exact one for over 3 years. No problems and works great. As long as your cigarette lighter i not always hot (flowing electricity even when the keys are out) it's fine.

[@gidagorfen8947]

Very interesting angle at troubleshooting this issue. My first suspicion given the acid buildup on the battery would to check the alternator diode, thinking that perhaps that part of the issue was the battery being overcharged. I never heard of tapping the solenoid to get a car to start! That amazed me. Honestly though, the battery was 3 years old, the connectors crap to begin with...and I know you want to limit the expense to the customer, so I would have posed the question to them the choice of minimal (starter, battery recharge, cleaning the acid) as opposed to including the starter, battery and replacing the battery connector cable. Likely the latter would mean no less than a new battery that would go 3-5 more years and no incidence. I am wondering what your thoughts were about the acid buildup and the alternator? Always great videos from you!

[@johnmattiazzo3900]

Get a new battery cheap maintenance I chuck mine out after three years I need my car to start in the cold winters

[@perromion]

Battery wasn't the problem.

[@johnmattiazzo3900]

@@perromion correct it wasn't when your battery hits three years old they get kinda sketchy good strong battery makes your car run better all the electronics need strong power to run correctly

[@cbarkwell1000]

@@perromion You're Right , however ; the Battery Still has a Major problem..Since this is a Conventional Battery , each Cell between those "2" rectangle caps has "6" separate holes of sulphuric acid & water that is 2.11 Volts , thus; 2.11 X 6 holes = 12.66 Volts for a well charged "Conventional" Battery. I bet it's more Voltage sitting on Top of the Battery than inside the holes combined...With your Voltage Meter , I guarantee it will FAIL the Battery Leakage Test..Place the Black Lead to the Negative Battery Post & Drag the Red pointed lead across the battery top( Car keys in your pocket ). It's gonna read 1 -9 Volts, thus Decreasing the Life of the Customers Battery by @ least 1 - 2 years...Voltage is supposed to be inside the Battery , not Living on Top of the Battery. Clean the Battery with Coco-Cola or Baking Soda , Toot brush & Warm water. Those Battery Cables & Top of Battery would be cleaner than a Dentist Office with my Before & After photos included with her other paperwork....Yep , the Starter , indeed is the Main Fault. Automotive Professional background Los Angeles County P.S. - Also read in this Thread where a Fella said, " The Northern California Toyota Master Tech. didn't need to plug in the CCA of the Battery when the Tool CLEARLY asked him what is the CCA of the Womans Battery : If he would have ignored that & played the Role of a "SawMill" Mechanic by lets say inputting 50 CCA under or 50 CCA over, the Battery probably would have Failed & the Woman would have spent unnecessary money for a New Battery.........He was Right in his approach PLUS he already knew that the Battery was 75 % Charged because his Tool told 'em it was reading 12.4 Volts. Open Circuit Voltage Chart : 12.6 or 12.66 Volts = Well charged batt. 12.4 Volts = 75 % Charged Battery 12.2 Volts = 50 % Charged Battery 12.0 Volts = 25 % Charged Battery Less than 12.0 Volts , it's time to call Houston, Texas. "Houston, we have a problem" "Houston : Go ahead California, is it a White Toyota & reading under 12 Volts"?

[@davidnull5590]

A friend recently had her 2004 Toyota Rav4 die here in upstate New York, it's the country here, farmland, cows, etc.. It found it's way to a national chain repair store, Monroe? Easy to replace the starter there, the cost ... $600. (Rebuilt replacement Dorman) I was angry at this nonsense.

[@johnlacroix1639]

This video I liked it a lot ,keep up the great work. WOW very interesting 1st class very kool great info.,, AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ again great

[@toddgarber6567]

I thought for sure it was going to start after cleaning the battery.

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

This is so funny I was skeptical I've done it before but it's a crapshoot I know how to rebuild a starter too rebuild kit with bushings brushes solenoid some sandpaper on Armature contacts

[@davidvang3434]

Where is your shop located?

[@erikcox1947]

Northern California.