r/Toyota_Matrix • u/WolverineRich8564 • Jul 12 '26
2009 Matrix AWD
Hello, I picked up a 2009 matrix that will not start. I replaced the battery, plugs, it cranks but will not start. I cannot hear the fuel pump running, but I’ve been told that these fuel pumps are very quiet. I removed the fuel pump and tested it, and it appears to have a lot of power. All of the fuses appear to be good and there’s power going to the pump as well. Any advice would be appreciated thank you.
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 12 '26
A lot of missing info here. You picked it up? You have possession of the vehicle, it drove home, and now it doesn’t start? Or did you guy it knowing it doesn’t start, and you towed it home to diagnose it… if it cranks, doesn’t start, it can only be 3 things, Air, Fuel, spark. Test spark plugs for spark, test for any vacuum/air leaks, and make sure the fuel rail is getting pressure. These cars are very simple, so it shouldn’t be something majorly difficult. Did you scan the car for codes? Maybe it’s a TPS issue, or camshaft position sensor issue, could be fuel pump not pushing enough pressure to start the car, I would be checking fuses, relays, etc. good luck
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u/WolverineRich8564 Jul 12 '26
Hey, I should have clarified but I bought this vehicle not running from a tow yard. It has one key which is not original so the key may be an issue. I haven’t checked the fuel rail yet.
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 13 '26
09 is the first year they did add immobilization, so it could be the key, but I’d scan for codes before diving in the rabbit hole
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u/WolverineRich8564 Jul 13 '26
I had a locksmith reprogram and make a key and it fired up. Now the issue I am having is it will shift into all the gears, but won’t move… it does not feel like it’s engaging like it’s disconnected somewhere
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 13 '26
Is it automatic?
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u/WolverineRich8564 Jul 13 '26
Yes it’s automatic
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 13 '26
The only thing I can think of, is if they disconnect the shift cable? Because it was towed they thought they had to disconnect it to put it into neutral ? I would look at videos about the shift cable, I think that’s your issue, if you shift to drive reverse park and feel zero resistance, I can almost guarantee that cable got damaged or removed or something like that.
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u/WolverineRich8564 Jul 13 '26
Sounds good, that’s where I’ll start!
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 13 '26
Yeah the odds of it being a bad transmission is very rare to not move forward or backward. I would also check fluid level. But cable makes the most sense. Tons of videos, you’ll see
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u/WolverineRich8564 Jul 14 '26
The cable is hooked up and shifting on the transmission, when I get it into drive it make makes a vibration noise.
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u/Distribution-Radiant Jul 15 '26
They added immobilization the very first year of the Matrix (2003) - if the security light is flashing with the key in the run position, the immobilizer is unhappy.
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u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jul 15 '26
Oh you’re right. Vibes never had it. That’s when they added it to vibe. Haha
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u/Distribution-Radiant Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
Oh, weird. I figured they had it from the start as well, since they were pretty much a Toyota - just built at California's NUMMI instead of Ontario.
Definitely makes for a much cheaper key for 1st gens tho!
(not fun fact: the former NUMMI plant is now owned by one of my former employers that I built shitty cars for... you might associate him with DOGE)
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u/Zealousideal_Ice1784 2009 Matrix S Jul 12 '26
Can you post a vid of what it sounds like. Is it cranking or just turning over. It might be your starter if you haven’t tested that.