AutoCodesToyota – P1604 Toyota

P1604 Toyota Code - Startability Malfunction

Quick Answer

The P1604 code is stored if the engine does not start or when the engine takes a long time to start, and when the engine speed is low or the engine stalls just after the engine starts. Common causes include Low Battery charge, Starting system, Low quality fuel. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1604 Toyota indicates Startability Malfunction.
Common causes
Common causes include Low Battery charge, Starting system, Low quality fuel.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 661,881
How popular is this code, among other codes? Very High
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 06, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1604 Toyota Description

The P1604 code is stored if the engine does not start or when the engine takes a long time to start, and when the engine speed is low or the engine stalls just after the engine starts. The P1604 code is also stored if the vehicle has run out of fuel. It is necessary to check whether there was enough fuel in the fuel tank before performing this inspection.
OBDII Code P1604 Toyota - Startability Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P1604 Toyota Code - Startability Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1604 Toyota?

  • Low Battery charge
  • Starting system
  • Low quality fuel
  • Clogged Fuel filter
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P1604 Toyota?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1604 Toyota code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1604 Toyota code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1604 Toyota code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1604 Toyota code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Toyota Models

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1604 Toyota Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1604 in a Toyota vehicle?

- Common symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, intermittent stalling, and the engine not cranking.

2. What does the OBDII code P1604 indicate in a Toyota vehicle?

- OBDII code P1604 indicates a Startability Malfunction, which typically points to issues with the starting system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1604 in a Toyota?

- Possible causes include a faulty starter motor, issues with the ignition switch, damaged wiring in the starting system, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1604 in my Toyota?

- Diagnosis involves checking the starter motor for proper operation, inspecting the ignition switch and associated wiring for damage, and testing the ECM for faults using a diagnostic scanner.

5. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P1604 in a Toyota at home?

- While some basic troubleshooting like checking wiring connections can be done at home, repairing issues related to the starter motor or ECM may require professional assistance.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P1604 illuminated in my Toyota?

- It is not recommended to drive with OBDII code P1604 present, as it can lead to unexpected stalling or starting issues, potentially leaving you stranded.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1604 in a Toyota?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Can a dead battery cause OBDII code P1604 to trigger in a Toyota?

- A dead or weak battery can sometimes cause starting issues that may trigger OBDII code P1604, so it's important to ensure the battery is in good condition before diagnosing further.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P1604 in my Toyota make the issue go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will not permanently resolve OBDII code P1604, as it will likely reappear once the problem persists.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P1604 in a Toyota?

- The repair time can vary based on the cause of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1604 Toyota OBDII Code

  • i have 2013 corolla ..
    i diagnosied car by maxxi sys
    the system shows p 1604...but how can i fix this
    because all sensors can be a part of these code..so what i do???

  • Start by checking the battery charge. If engine have problems stating it could set the P1604 code.

  • startability malfunction fuel filter spark plug battry

  • I have a 2014 toyota Corolla with the p1604 code, i checked battery charge and it is charged and i have a 2 amp charge. We just bought this from a dealer and we found a ignition switch in the car so we're guessing they replaced the switch. The car isnt acting up at all and we haven't ran it out of fuel. Any idea's on what to check next?

  • Have you tried clearing the code?

  • Yes i tried to clear it and it wont clear from the computer at all

  • Hey guys I have 2014.5 Camry L, about a month ago I started having some starting issues. I bought the blue driver scan tool and it gave me this code p1604, and I took it to advance auto parts to check alt, and battery and they checked out ok. But before that
    I had to jump start the car then I drove it up there. Anyway today 6.24.17 I go to start it and it just clicks and that code pops up again. Any suggestions should I replace battery it's about three yrs old

  • Hi Josh, Did your car have any problems in the last 3 months? I'm in the process of buying a used Toyota Vitz from Japan. I took it to my mechanic and when he put it on his BOSCH machine, errors P1604 and P1589 came up. The car dealer says it's because the old battery died, so he replaced it, but the error messages are still on the BOSCH machine. No check engine lights though. What did you do? Did you just ignore the codes?

  • Hey guys I have a 2010 Toyota hiace van I was driving then the vehicle shut down. I scan my van and see p1604 code come on the maschine. Any advice because I change fuel filter I change fuel as well and I change fuel injectors as well. Battery is good because engine turning over properly but my van still not starting and the p1604 code still up . Any advice from any one

  • You are getting the code because the engine is not starting, but the code is not the cause of the problem, there must be something else causing the no start problem. Do you have any other codes? do you have fuel pressure?

  • My 2014 Corolla was scan and P0171, P1604 and P1605 came on the scanner, It always start in first self except when I full the gas it start on third self, plus it gives jerk sometime when I accelerate after stopped, and I feel it consuming little more gas as well, engine light is on and sometime ABS come on specially after car wash, any solution????

  • The ABS may not be related to the other codes. There are many things that could have caused the problem, my guess is that the fuel level got too low or you got bad gas.

    I recommend starting by clearing all the codes and use high octane gas for a couple of weeks.

  • Thanks for reply, what about oxygen sensor does it give same symptoms?

  • The Oxygen Sensor could trigger the P0171 code, but no the other ones, and rarely cause any driveability problems.

  • Thanks I tried not to fill the full tank and guess what it's working, at least car is starting in first self, now I will delete code and try using high grade fuel, can I delete the code just by removing and connecting battery wire?

  • Yes, disconnect the car battery for about 30 minutes to clear all the systems.

  • i replaced the spark plugs on my 2012 toyotta highlander and changed the oil.. after that i got the engine check light and traction light ON.. i checked the codes it comes as p0010 and p1604. i cleared the codes but it came back again. Can you give any solution or the reason of this ?

  • There are many things that could trigger the P1604. If you have other code, try fixing the other code first.
    The P0010 could have been trigger by the oil change. What oil weight did you use? if the oil is too thick, the it could trigger the P0010. If the oil is OK, then you may have to replace the Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid.

    P0010 TOYOTA - Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit Bank 1
    Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p...

  • I used 5W 40 oil.. and i did not change the oil filer this time while changing the oil, can it be cause of the problem?

  • Yes, 5W-40 is too thick. The factory recommend 0W-20.
    There are some tests that needs to be done to determine exactly what the problem is, but I recommend starting by changing the engine oil and filter.

  • My Ex wife has been dealing with the p1604 code for some time on a 2012 Toyota Yaris Sedan Base Model with 1.5L 1NZ-FE 4 cylinder. The car takes longer to start and runs fine once started, no mil came on. I used a techstream chinese adapter and that code is the only 1 to appear. I have replaced 1 fuel injector because the resistance values were way off in compare to the other 3. I have replaced the cam and crank position sensors. The car uses 5W30. This only started after she got her oil changed by a shop that didn't tell her what brand or weight of oil they used, they used a penzoil filter. I have since put the Valvoline in myself and fram filter like I had been before she had a shop change oil. Battery is Brand new. I haven't looked at the plugs but when I started checking her car I looked at coils they check out ok with a multimeter. Starter was bench checked by Oreilly Autoparts. I have not changed the VVT Solenoid/Cam Position Oil Valve, Engine Coolant Temperature sensor, Oil Pressure Switch, Starter. I don't know if it has a Oil Temperature sensor.
    I doubt the Knock Sensor would be a cause.

    The Ex thinks it could be an ignition system problem such as the lock itself not working correctly but I am running oit of Ideas.

    I need help please.

  • I checked a national database of repairs for your model year, the battery is the only thing the techs have replaced to repair the problem.
    The slow start is what is triggering the P1604 code. From my experience low octane (or bad fuel) sometimes will cause the a slow start.
    What fuel octane are you using? try using 92 for a couple of weeks to see if that make any difference.

  • I changed the the oxygen sensor,fuel injector, the gasoline pump and the gasoline pressure sensor
    stil code p1604 (startability malfunction) and p0172 (system too rich)
    I need help please

  • What model and year is your vehicle?

  • toyatta corolla 2015

  • The P1604 code sets because there are other problem, it's not the cause of the problem.
    The P0172 code is set by what is causing the problem. Unfortunately there are several things that could cause the problem. Since you have replace many thing already, what I recommend is to clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and replace the air filter. The MAF is probably the most common problem for the P0172 code.

    P0172 TOYOTA - System Too Rich
    Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p...

  • I have a ‘13 Tacoma TSS Double Cab. I got a “FIXD” personal diagnostic device not too long ago. Hooked it up and got the P1604 code- but I don’t have any issues. It’s never given me trouble starting, I use ‘Plus’ gas (regular, plus, premium) and do not have any engine lights on. Why do I have this code? With what i have read so far... maybe the battery? But again, I’ve never had any issues with it starting, and I bought it used back in March.

  • You are getting the code because the engine is not starting, but the code is not the cause of the problem, there must be something else causing the no start problem.
    Unfortunately finding what is the causing the problem is very difficult, according the factory service manual, the problem could be almost anything.
    The battery is probably one of the most common causes and if you haven't done a tune-up (spark plugs, air filter) lately, then you should do that too.

  • But the engine is starting just fine...

  • I apologize, I missed that part, too many questions today :). Have you tried clearing the code? how long it takes for the code to come back?

  • How do you clear the code? Again- there’s no lights appearing on the dash, so is it the same as clearing the Maint req’d light after an oil change with the dashes counting down?

  • Either with an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car battery for about 30 minutes.

  • Dear sir toyota inova 2012 model engine is not start and scaner read code 1604 batery full fuel is ok diesel filter new but in pump corrent not pass diesel in not pass in injecters

  • I have Toyota Corolla 2015. Just did a computer check when the Transmission stopped shifting to the 4th gear. The DTC Analysis (normal mode) displayed following codes, P0751 Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off, P1604 Statability Malfunction, P2714 Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck OFF, P0103 Mass Air Flow Circuit High, P0751 Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck OFF, P1603 Engine Stall History, P1604 Startability Malfunction, P 1605 Rough Idling and P2714 Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck OFF. The technician recommended to overhaul or replace the transmission which is costing a lot. I do not have enough knowledge of cars or car transmission, so could you please give recommendation as a second opinion before deciding to continue with replacement or overhauling.

  • Have you try clearing all the codes? which codes comes back first? There are too many codes to try diagnosing one by one.

  • I just got a certified used 2016 Corolla LE with the CVT and p1604 shows up on my OBS2 bluetooth reader. I paid the extra $10 for it to be able to read more sensors.

    What could be the issue? Starting just fun and runs smooth. What do I look for? Need help as the MIL light doesn't come up.

  • 3 ticks and it starts so not a crank/fuel issue. Should i reset the codes and see if it pops up again?

  • Historical data shows U0100

  • Could be just low battery charge. Try clearing/reset the code first.

  • I found this online.

    "The code is a government regulatory code. If your truck is stalling after running then u should have more than p1604. The code will set if the key is not held fully while starting until the engine actually fires up. In the code it says do not diagnose, do what it says... U won't get anywhere. Just leave the code there it wont mess anything up"

  • Thank you for sharing!!

  • Hello,
    I drive a 2012 Toyota Camry SE, and recently there is a long crank before car ignition. But today my car would not even start up. I asked my friend to lend me a diagnostic tool, and only 2 DTC codes were found and they are OEM Enhanced P1604 and P0300 combined. I looked up the problem and it sounded like it could be anything, and I am no technician myself. But would these two codes combined indicate a specific problem I could tackle first? Thank you so so much for your help!

  • I post a response here: https://www.autocodes.com/p...

  • No problem. So far the error codes never came back. Was probably a hiccup when they updated the firmware for the CVT. Just putting this there for anyone in the future as a reference

  • I have problem with my car Corolla 2013
    P1604
    The problem the rpm some times not stable
    Up down and car not good

  • You should start by checking the car battery. Make sure the battery is fully charge. If the battery is OK, then you may have to replace the throttle body.

  • Looking at purchasing a 2011 Toyota Camry with 135,800 miles on it. Ran a BlueDriver OBD2 scan and two codes came up; p1603, p1604
    There also seems to be a very small oily (not sure if it is oil, power steering fluid, trans fluid or what) stain on the driveway when parked for an hour or so that is about the size of a nickel.
    Could those codes be related to the leak? When I take It to the shop do I mention that those codes come up or do I just let them do their thing and give it a once over to see if they come up with anything during a free 29 point inspection? Would that even show up? Thank you in advance!

  • More than likely the codes are not related to the leak. The codes are related to the battery or a hard to start problem.
    Yes, do mention the codes, so the mechanic can check the battery and any other components related to the codes.
    BTW, I check the factory service manual and there is no information about the P1603 or P1604. Either the OBDII scanner you use is not compatible you got the codes wrong.

  • I am having the same code on a 2011 Highlander SE with 77k miles on it. The battery is fine, no engine check lite on. Discovered the code on a random maintenance session by running my BlueDriver Code reader. Anyone knows what the red tool shown on the video above? I need on in order to test my relay. Thanks!

  • p1604.startability fault

  • Hi guys i have a 2016 toyota corolla with a p1604 code.
    The car starts just fine but sometimes the ac fan would weaken and the power steering doesnt work for a split second.
    Any idea what that could be ?

  • More than likely the problem with the A/C Fan and Power Steering are not related to the P1604. Have you try clearing all the codes? Start by checking the car battery. Make sure the battery is fully charge.

  • Hello thank you for replying
    I have tried clearing all the codes and the codes that remain are p0420 and p0456 but the car had these 2 codes for some time now.

  • hi I have 2013 Toyota venza and I have Bluetooth scanner and it shows P1604 code. car start fine run smooth and no problem at all I need help please and thank you..

  • Have you tried clearing the code? How is the battery charge?

  • I have toyota etios petrol, engine not starting only crank, code shown on scanner -p1604
    Please help me out, i am trying since 15 days

  • So I changed the throttle body on a 13 rav4 and it only cranks and doesn’t start, deleted the code p1604 and it still does it, any ideas?

  • The code is setting because the engine is not starting. Now you must find the reason the engine doesn't start.
    Did the engine start before replacing the throttle body? why did you replace the throttle body?

  • hilux diesel p1604 code too. filter ok , battery ok ,

  • Sir
    Faulty code P1604
    Hilux diesel rivo 2017 fiter ok.battery ok.diesel ok. Any ideas?

  • P1604-(start-ability-malfunction):--2012-rav4...Three-years-ago-I-locked-my-factory-key-in-the-rig.--Went-to-Toyota-dealership; -they-cut-a-new-key-from-VIN#.--Both-keys-(factory-and-duplicate)-worked-to-start-the-rig.--I-misplaced-the-Factory-key-often-and-relied-on-the-duplicate-key.... until-one-day-the-duplicate-stopped-working-(the-factory-key-was-lost/misplaced-again).--SCAN-coded-rig=P1604.--Rig-would-crank-w/duplicate-key-but-no-spark.--First-thing-my-mechanic-friend-asked-was-where-was-the-factory-key-(which,-I-couldn't-locate-at-the-time).--I-assured-him-that-the-duplicate-had-worked-previously-and-it-seemed-to-be-basically-working;-strong-crank,-but-no-spark/start. --He-checked-the-electrical-harness-wiring-integrity/fuses,-etc.--Manually-reset-ECU;-attempted-to-start-again-w/duplicate-key....same-scan-code.--I-decided-to-do-a-more-thorough-search-for-the-factory-key....found-it-and-tried-it:--the-rig-started-first-crank!!!--Moral-of-the-story:--the-replacement-key-may-have-worked-some-of-the-time,-(but-not-all-the-time),-one-needs-the-factory-key,-as-a-first-step-in-trouble-shooting-the-P1604-Code.

  • P1604

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play