Previa Ignition Cylinder Starting Problem

[morevert]

I've been having intermittent starting problems, where it may take a few try's for Previa to start. All the typical lights come on the Cluster when I try. I'm at 384kmiles, so its seen lots of use. I have even replaced the original Ignition Cylinder with one from Oreilly's, but its acting up now too. I'll pull key out & re-try starting. It appears that wiggling the Barrel up or down makes a difference. I'll even pull up on the Gear Shifter while starting.
I'm suspecting that maybe the Ignition Assy that the Ignition Cylinder installs in is the problem. Probably not easy to R&R.
Has anyone else been thru this problem? Otherwise this 1995 Previa awd SC is amazing in reliability.

[timsrv]

I know you said you have all the typical dash lights, but when you turn the key to "run" do you specifically see the "check engine light"? That light being illuminated indicates power is being supplied to the ECU with engine off. If you don't see that light, then take a look at this thread: https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?395-Intermittent-Starting-Problems-amp-Check-Engine-Light!!!-91-Previa-LE-AWD

[daytonatrbo]

With that many miles, the contacts in the starter solenoid are likely to need replacement too.

[timsrv]

I was also thinking the fuel pump might be done........does the engine crank?

[morevert]

The van runs close to new. Starts instantly, but need to put some upward pressure on the Key/Ignition Cylinder when starting. There's some play between the Ignition Cylinder & its housing. Even the original Ignition Cylinder had some play. I replaced the Fuel Pump at 303kmiles, for preventative maintenance, even thou it was working fine. I'm going to try & find an Ignition Switch Assy with lower miles & see if that solves the issue. I submitted a wtb ad on this site earlier today.

[timsrv]

Maybe the neutral safety switch or linkage to it??? If it is an ignition switch, Rockauto has aftermarket ones for ~$27.........but the shipping will likely be another $15. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,1995,previa,2.4l+l4+supercharged,1278244,el ectrical-switch+&+relay,ignition+starter+switch,4700

[John Kaufmann]

As daytonatrbo said, symptoms sound entirely consistent with worn starter solenoid contacts. (If they have >100K miles, they are on borrowed time.)

[timsrv]

Yes, normally I would agree. But if a wiggle or impact in the steering column consistently provides a remedy, then something in the column seems more likely. However, if the starter contacts have not been checked yet, it would be a good thing to do. Dropping the starter to check isn't that hard. Tim

[tbuyan]

To isolate the problem, bypass the key switch by jumping the solenoid.

[daytonatrbo]

Just to be clear, you initially replaced the ignition lock cylinder but not the actual ignition switch? I would certainly try the switch based on your description of being able to get to to crank by lifting up on the column.

These appear to be readily available online.