Drive start control malfunction refers to a safety-related problem in Toyota’s modern vehicles. Implementing the Drive Start Control system in its modern vehicles is a smart move by Toyota.
The Drive Start Control technology is designed to prevent unexpected and unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. This system helps control the engine output to avoid sudden starts or acceleration, thereby increasing driving safety.
In this post, we will discuss the causes of Drive Start Control malfunction and ways to fix them.
What is a Drive Start Control Malfunction?
The drive-start control malfunction warning light refers to a malfunction in the drive-start control system of modern vehicles and may appear as a warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard.
The drive start control system controls engine starting and unexpected acceleration of the vehicle, ensuring that the vehicle is in the proper operating mode before the engine starts and controlling engine acceleration in case of accidental or unexpected acceleration by the driver.
Causes of Drive Start Control Malfunction
The most common causes of Drive Start Control malfunctioning are system failure, blown fuses, driver error, faulty sensors, bad parking or brake switches, software error, faulty wiring or mechanical problems.
Let’s take a detailed look at the causes of Drive Start Control Malfunction warning light coming on.
#1. Faulty Sensors
The Drive Start Control system relies on various sensors fitted in the vehicle to determine the vehicle’s transmission status, parking brake status and brake pedal status. If any of these sensors are faulty, it can cause the system to trigger a warning.
Because signals from the functioning of various parts of the vehicle are not able to reach the vehicle’s ECU, warnings related to Drive Start Control System malfunction start appearing in vehicles.
#2. Failed Parking or Brake Switches
Apart from the sensors fitted in Toyota vehicles, the Drive Start Control system also uses switches to detect the parking brake and brake pedal status. The vehicle’s operating mode is identified based on the status of these switches.
If the brake or parking switch fails, it can trigger the warning. Because the drive start control system is unable to receive data on the vehicle’s operating mode at the current time due to a bad brake or parking switch.
#3. Wiring Problems
Wiring plays a vital role in operating any electric function in vehicles. The vehicle’s drive start control system relies on a complex network of wiring to communicate between various sensors and switches.
The drive start control system in Toyota or other company vehicles receives data from sensors through wiring. If any of these wires get damaged or disconnected, it can cause the drive start control system to malfunction and the vehicle’s cluster meter may display a drive start control system malfunction warning.
#4. Software Problems
The drive start control system in any vehicle is controlled by a computer, and if there is a problem with the vehicle’s software or programming or a software update contains a bug, it can cause the system to trigger a warning. Because unupdated software or crash programming can badly affect the functioning of every function of the vehicle.
#5. Mechanical Problems
In many cases, vehicles may have mechanical problems with the transmission or other components that can cause the drive start control system to malfunction. Because the drive start control system in vehicles is programmed with the transmission system.
And if there is any problem in the transmission of the vehicle, then the drive start control malfunction warning is displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle.
#6. Weak Battery or Charging System Issues
The “Drive Start Control Malfunction” warning in your vehicle may be associated with battery or charging system problems. A weak or failing battery can interfere with the Drive Start Control System, causing unintended acceleration or other safety concerns.
- Dead battery
- Bad alternator
- Worn or broken belt
How To Fix Drive Start Control Malfunction?
To fix Drive Start Control Malfunction, these components must be properly inspected, and the faulty components must be properly repaired or replaced.
#1. Scan The Vehicle System
If your Toyota or any other vehicle has a Drive Start Control Malfunction warning displaying on the dashboard, the first thing you need to do is scan the vehicle’s system with a digital OBD-II scanner. Scanning the vehicle will allow you to easily determine the cause of the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning displaying and save you the time it takes to manually locate the malfunction.
In many cases, the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning may also display along with any fault codes in the vehicle’s system. However, there is no component malfunction. If this happens, try deleting all fault code history from the scanner once again.
#2. Check and Replace The Sensor
The main reason for the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning being displayed in the dashboard of modern technology vehicles of Toyota or any other company is the malfunction of the sensor. Because the Drive Start Control system of the vehicle works on the basis of various sensors.
But when any sensor of the vehicle is faulty, the Drive Start Control system of the vehicle will display the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning on the dashboard because the data of the vehicle’s operating mode is not received.
Therefore, when this happens, definitely check the sensor. For this, you can take the help of a digital OBD-II scanner. If a vehicle sensor is found to be faulty, remove the faulty sensor and install a new sensor.
#3. Check The Parking/Braking Switch
Sometimes the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning displayed in the dashboard of Toyota vehicles is also due to the malfunction of the parking or brake switch.
Therefore, when the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning is displayed in the dashboard of Toyota vehicles, the parking or brake switch should be checked. If the parking or braking switch of the vehicle is faulty, it should be replaced with a new one immediately.
#4. Check The Wiring
The drive start control system in modern Toyota vehicles is based on sensors and wiring. The vehicle’s drive start control system receives data of the functioning of the parts from the sensors through wiring.
But sometimes due to problems in the wiring, this system is unable to receive input data from the sensors and due to this, the warning of drive start control malfunction is displayed in the vehicle’s cluster meter. In such a case, all the wiring related to the sensor should be checked, if the wiring is damaged or cut, then get it repaired or get a new wire installed.
#5. Update The Software
Often in modern vehicles, the cluster meter displays a warning of drive start control malfunction due to the software not being updated for a long time or due to any bug in the software.
Therefore, in such a case, get the vehicle’s software updated by going to a certified professional mechanic or to the nearest dealership.
#6. Check The ECU
The ECU is the most important part of any vehicle, which operates and controls the functioning of every part of the vehicle. But sometimes due to some reason, some fault occurs in the ECU of the vehicle, due to which some functions of the vehicle do not work properly.
This causes the driver to see a warning of loss of control. Therefore, if this happens, the ECU of the vehicle should be checked and if a fault is found in the ECU, then the ECU should be repaired or replaced with a new ECU.
Is It Safe to Drive with Drive Start Control Malfunction?
No, if the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning light is displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard, it is not at all safe to drive. Because this warning light appears due to a problem in the drive start control system of the vehicle.
These warning lights can compromise the safety of your vehicle. However, you can definitely try resetting this warning light once. If this warning light is displayed due to a software error, you may be successful in resetting it.
Final Words
Drive-Start Control Malfunction is a warning light on the dashboard of modern vehicles that indicates a malfunction in the drive-start control system. However, there are several reasons why the drive start control malfunction light may illuminate. Therefore you should get its causes investigated and diagnosed. Because it is not safe to drive a vehicle with the drive start control malfunction light on.
FAQs
Can a weak battery cause a Drive Start Control Malfunction?
Yes, a weak or failed battery is one of the most common causes of this error. The start-stop system needs a strong battery to restart the engine quickly. If the battery is weak, old or unable to maintain a charge, the system may malfunction and display this error.
What type of battery is required for a start-stop system?
Vehicles with a start-stop system typically require special batteries such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery). These batteries are designed to handle repeated charge-discharge cycles. Using a standard battery can cause malfunctions and errors such as “Drive Start Control Malfunction.”
How do I reset the Drive Start Control Malfunction error?
- Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative terminal for 10-15 minutes to reset the vehicle’s ECU.
- Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the terminal and start the car to see if the error is gone.
- Use an OBD-II scanner: Clear the error code using the diagnostic tool.
- If the error persists, check the battery, sensors, and charging system.
Why Does My Drive Start Control Malfunction Keep Coming Back?
- If the error keeps recurring, it may be caused by:
- A failed battery that needs to be replaced.
- A faulty battery sensor sending incorrect data to the ECU.
- Parasitic drain from an electrical component.
- An alternator problem that prevents proper battery charging.
- A need to register or code a new battery into the vehicle’s system (common in European cars).
Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.
