The car won't start every so often. I reset computer with mechanical and wait till next day for car to start. I think the dealership planted a bug in the computer system. The problem began after the dealer had replaced a bad catalytic converter. Since then the car won't start after so many starts. The next day it will start and the check engine light will be on. Again i reset computer by opening the door with the mechanical key. After three times the lite goes out. And then it seems like you get about a dozen starts till it won't start.

You don't give any info on vehicle, engine...etc, but I think your friend is right about the coil. You have to try and determine if it's fuel or spark. Could be your fuel filter....

hi, my neighbor also encountered the same problem, the mechanic told them that it might be the computer box, but after seaking for a second opinion. it is found that hydraulic hose of the engine is the culprit, they fond a crack on the hose due to its age.

Something must of hit the starter wiring when you drove on your flat tire.

You maybe need cranksensor,

From what you describe, it sounds like a "known problem" on the Toyota end, meaning that they have a software bug and they know it. Wait them out and deal with the problem the best you can, but I strongly recommend that you keep a log of all the details.... when, where, how fast you were going, traffic conditions... basically, everything you can think of. If you have an Ipod or "droid" phone, or anything at all that can record sound while you are on the move, it will make keeping a log that much easier because you can record live and document later. When you are driving and recording, keep talking! You want to convey as much information as you can to get your ride fixed right, and from what you said, it should be on the Toyota dime!

By all means... DO NOT let ANYBODY tinker with your ride AT ALL until AFTER you get some satisfaction from Toyota! You do not want to give them an excuse to blame the problem elsewhere...- you follow?

My take is that your rav4 has a software bug that is causing the harsh downshift when you brake, and if the dealer wants you to wait until July to run some tests, they know that something is amiss on their end. Watch your driving habits because when they download, they will see it all. You really need to record as much as you can in case they come back and claim that it is your driving habits or you let somebody else work on it, drive it, etc....

I wish you the best in getting this straightened out. Remind them that YOU are the CUSTOMER and that THEY WORK FOR YOU!

Good Luck, and Thank You for using FixYa!

Hi, please get the car scanned at your local parts chain and send us the trouble code. We can then provide advice for dealing with the dealer.

Same thing happened to my '07 expedition EL Limited. I called CAA and towed in to the dealership. As per their diagnosis, the Heater Control Module malfunctioned/tripped. They reset it and asked me to leave the car overnight outside the dealership in the middle of winter so they can test it again the next day. Next day, car was ok. The tech said probably the Heater Control Module is the problem.

He showed me how to reset it in case it will happen again in the middle of nowhere.

To reset this, pry open (use your fingers) the lower cover of the center console below the a/c, heater, temperature buttons. Then lift up the cover of the whole center console and you will see wires connected to this two (2) connectors. Unplug the first one on the right (blue in my car) and re-plug it after about 10 seconds. Wait for about a minute then try to turn the ignition ON then START.

It happens twice again already since it came out from the dealership but I was able to reset it.

But the advise of their tech is to replace the Heater Control module and it will cost me about $500.

you can disconnect the Battery and when the battery is disconnected ..now turn on your head lites ... Wait a min or two then shut off head lites re connect battery ... try starting car this will reset you computer in car ...

Yes. that alert indicates that your car's internal computer has detected one or more errors. In order to find out what these error codes are, the computer must be scanned. Dealerships usually charge quite a bit to do a scan. Recently AAMCO repair shops have been offering scans for free. Also many auto parts stores scan for free. When you do get it scanned be sure to ask the techie to reset the computer. Joe

4 thumbs up please. ty.

if it turns over there are a cocuple of things to check. crankshaft sensor and the coil pack maybe the computer.id start with the crankshaft sensor