Smart Key System Malfunction

Help! our 2021 TRD Offroad 4runner suddenly wouldn't start, dashboard indicates Smart Key system malfunction.

we've jumpstart the truck, replaced the battery, replaced key fob's battery, tried the spare key fob and there was no luck. the engine cranks strong but no start, all accessories does work, lock and unlock from key fob works, remote starter does not work .

we've had Auxbeam switches in there for a while and a winch. the 4runner had to be towed to a dealership but cash clock is now ticking. hoping to get some experiences from here maybe one had ?

few have told me maybe the fuel pump or spark plug issue? but it does crank strong and no sign of low voltage from the battery.

Thanks!

 

What remote start do you have?

 

it's the factory remote start

 

Huh. Was that added as an option when new? TRD Off-road did not come with the option of remote start as far as I know. Only Pro & Limited.

 

yes, it was there when we purchased it in 2020 but it is the 2021 model. it's the premium trim if that helps

 

Premium or not, my understanding is only the Pro & Limited had the option of factory remote start. So if you have remote start, it seems it is an aftermarket system added, and may be the source of your issue.

Maybe someone else can chime in.

 

not entirely sure, is it different from the states? forgot to mention that this is in Canada. we do have the factory keyfob and all so that's why I thought it's from the factory . thanks tho!

 

All bets are off then. I am not familiar with what was available on Canadian models. Any input from our northern neighbors?

 

The Off Road trim in Canada is similar to the premium Off Road trim in the States. Up here it gets dual climate control, kdss, sunroof, remote start etc

May be too late now that it's at the dealer but have you tried unhooking any aftermarket electrical?

 

You used to be able to add remote start as an accessory option with the US models. Not sure when they stopped offering that. I added it as a preference on my 2016 Limited. Canada may have offered it at a longer interval. Found the part number, PT398-89140.


Have you tried holding the smart key fob directly next to the start button? It shows how to do it in the owners manual, if your fob battery is too low or dead.

 

Off Road premium got it if you also got the JBL sound system

 

yeah, we tried that too, we also replaced the battery. it's really odd, the 4runner drove fine the day before.

 

they are probably gonna do that next, only reason why I got it towed to the dealership is because we needed another vehicle for wife to drive to work. I knew this is not gonna be under warranty anymore cause of the optima battery, accessories etc etc. and we believe our basic warranty is also up