Avalon MkIII Intermittent Starting Issues

[Bobman]

G'day,

Just picked up an Avalon MkIII GXi. I own 4 Fords, but worked around Avalons 2001-2006 at a taxi depot, so always had a soft spot for them etc.

Have an interesting starting issue with a workaround I found.

Has anyone ever heard of issues with the ignition switch on these? Igniter? Crank angle sensor? Knock sensors?

It has had aftermarket keys for 5 years now. The light goes off instantly upon insertion indicating it has been programmed as a master.

Now, it will just crank endlessly often. The workaround is to leave the ignition 'ON' for 5 minutes and then it starts no worries until the next time. Any ideas?

[trentmeyer23]

Is the fuel pump getting power during this?

[Bobman]

On 9/9/2017 at 9:16 PM, trentmeyer23 said:

Is the fuel pump getting power during this?

While I haven't tested the fuel pump during cranking, it does run very well and there is no buzzing which usually indicates a failing fuel pump.

I believe I've narrowed the issue down to Crank Angle Sensor or Ignition Switch. I believe it's the former and will change it this week.

Interesting that it will always start if the key is left 'ON' for a few minutes, almost like it primes the faulty sensor(s) or resets itself somehow.