Is my Spacio key faulty?

I have a Toyota Spacio made in 2002 and it is a really awesome car with its excellent interior and exterior design plus economical fuel consumption. However, there are times when it cannot start, steering cannot move, gear lever cannot respond and I discovered that the system is dormant.
The key wouldn’t even try to start like the car has locked its self and after a few minutes (about five to 10), it then starts properly. I initially thought it was my battery but the battery is in excellent condition. I try pressing the key on top of the steering terminal which I was told could help but it doesn’t.
Even when the car fails to respond, the other electrical functions like remote lock, radio, etc run normally apart from key starting, steering and the gear lever. All I do is wait until the car responds which inconveniences me. What may be the problem?
Kaaya K.

From your description of the Toyota fault symptom, I get the impression that your car key once put in the ignition switch will authorise or power up the accessories such as the radio but will not start the engine. You need to observe whether the red immobiliser light shaped like a key keeps flashing on your dashboard during the intermittent episodes when your car fails to start. If so, then your immobiliser key has intermittent failure. You ought to use your spare key or visit Toyota Uganda to diagnose the car security system. A diagnosis will confirm whether you need to order a new key before this one fails completely.
Immobiliser keys such as the one for your car are a form of security against unauthorised persons starting the car using duplicate cut keys available in most post 2000 Toyota cars. This special key works with the aid of a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID) which is installed as a coded chip.
The key transmits a unique code via radio frequency, which is identified by the key reader on your car to disable the engine immobiliser and authorise you to start the car. In the event that you damage this key radio transmitter either by dropping it down or getting it wet, you will get intermittent or complete failure to start the car. Sometimes we can damage these special keys by disconnecting the car battery terminals with the key inserted in the ignition. This wrong procedure will make the car immobiliser system lose memory of the key code in which event the key and immobiliser computer will have to be replaced.
Thank you for the helpful motor tips. My Toyota Corolla AE 110 has developed an unusual problem. When I lower the hand brake, the parking brake light on the instrument gauge panel does not go off as usual. Sometimes it flicks off and on. What could be the problem?
Timothy.

The emergency parking brake light should switch off when you disengage the parking (hand) brake. The brake electronics system is designed to keep this light flashing or permanently on as a warning that your brake fluid level is low on your Toyota model. You need to check or top it up.
On some rare occasions the handbrake release switch (located below the handbrake lever) or circuit may malfunction, this will cause the parking brake light to flicker or fail to switch off. In which case, a good car electrician will be able to sort it out.

Hello Paul, I would like to buy my first car, a Toyota Vitz made in 2002. However, my friend tells me that the Vitz is very electronic and too complicated to maintain, he recommends I buy a Toyota Spacio. What is your opinion?

Hi there, the first generation Vitz and Spacio use the same electronic fuel injection engine technology like most cars you will find on the market today. None is more electronic than the other. The main difference between both cars is in the design and function.
The Toyota Vitz concept is a sub-compact super mini hatchback designed for individuals who need a run around car with a small economical engine and easy to park attributes. Hence, the small engines ranging from 1.0 litre, 1.3 litre to 1.5 litre cubic capacity (cc).
The Spacio on the other hand is a bigger hatchback concept which offers more spacious seating and loading space with reasonable fuel economy suitable for a young family, school drop offs or intercity traffic. Spacio is powered by slightly bigger engines ranging from 1.5-1.8 litre cc.
With regards to maintenance you need technical advice when choosing a car in the bond to ensure that your choice has no faulty engine, gearbox or suspension. It is crucial to confirm that the car has no concealed major accident repair.
Once you find a good car of your choice, identify a professional mechanic to maintain it periodically with reputable and suitable lubricants as well as genuine parts. You must fuel the car at recognised and reputable fuel dealers to avoid substandard adulterated fuel.
The electronic fuel injection engines in post 2000 Toyota engines are more sensitive to quality of lubricants, service parts and fuels. You should not have a problem with the Vitz if you maintain it well.