2010 Hilux SR5 - occasionally not starting

[Nudge36]

My 2010 Hilux has been not starting only sometimes, most times it starts perfectly.
 

I’ve replaced the battery and starter relay. 
all lights on the dash come on as normal but nothing happens, sometimes I turn the key half a dozen times and it will then start. No noise from the starter motor when it doesn’t start either. 

I’m thinking it is either something to do with the ignition or a bad earth to the starter motor maybe?? 
can anyone suggest anything or possible troubleshooting please? 

[Tony Prodigy]

This is kind of difficult to diagnose over the forum without doing some probing with a meter. 

I wonder if this is a residual problem from you shorting out the system earlier on ?

You'd need to find a wiring diagram and systematically go through the various stages of the ignition system.

I also wonder if the ECU copped some damage from the short..

Have you done a scan for any error codes ?

[Nudge36]

It was happening before the short, hence why I went to change the battery. 
 

I haven’t done any error code scanning, I tried to find an auto electrician, but being a long weekend it’s hard to find anyone open. 
 

if I got a test light and put it on the red wire to the starter motor and got someone to turn the key, would that indicate if I am getting power to the starter motor ? 

[Tony Prodigy]

20 hours ago, Nudge36 said:

if I got a test light and put it on the red wire to the starter motor and got someone to turn the key, would that indicate if I am getting power to the starter motor ? 

Yes indeed. Make sure you have the correct trigger wire and it should have 12v when cranking at the switch. Not sure what colours you have, but one will definitely read 12v when cranking.

[Nudge36]

Awesome, I’ll give that a try later today 🤞🤞🤞

[Nudge36]

So today I tested the power wire to the starter motor and it had power, so that told me the starter motor was no good. 
I replaced the starter motor and bingo !!! She’s all working normal again. Thanks for your help and input Tony 

[Tony Prodigy]

On 3/10/2025 at 8:05 PM, Nudge36 said:

So today I tested the power wire to the starter motor and it had power, so that told me the starter motor was no good. 
I replaced the starter motor and bingo !!! She’s all working normal again. Thanks for your help and input Tony 

Happy to help mate.

Glad you got it sorted