hilux not starting

Hilux won’t start? Take a breath—it's usually something simple before it's something spenno.

Work through the basics and listen for clues; here's what most often bites. Keep it in Park/Neutral and try a spare key, too.

• Battery: should read ~12.4–12.7 V at rest; under 12.0 V means charge or jump-start. Clean tight terminals and check the engine earth.
• Crank vs click: a single click points to starter/solenoid; rapid clicking screams low voltage; dead quiet plus no dash lights suggests a main fuse or battery.
• Fuel/pump: key to ON and listen for a 2–3 s prime. Diesel? Squeeze the primer bulb, check for air leaks, and make sure the filter isn’t clogged.
• Fuses, relays, and sensors: inspect under-bonnet/dash fuses, swap like-for-like relays, and consider crank/cam sensors, neutral/clutch switches, or an immobiliser tantrum.

If it still plays statue, scan for codes with an OBD-II reader and call a mobile auto sparky before the battery—and your patience—goes flat.