starting problems

[drummerjohn]

I own a 1991 toyota camry with the 4 cylinder motor in it. During the winter when it gets fairly cold (below 30) it has trouble starting. I simply get nothing at all when I turn the key. I am not able to jump it with jumper cables and another vehicle but I am able to push start it. Even when it is warm I notice a hesitation between when I turn the key and when it starts cranking over. Is anyone here familar with this problem or have any ideas. I have been thinking it might be the starter, but they are pricey and I would like a little more proof of that before I waste a bunch of money.

Thanks in advance

John

[atobe]

have your battery checked out first ? or it could be something simple like your starter contacts/relay.

[drummerjohn]

It has a brand new battery and new battery cables, as well as terminals. I will take a look at the starter connections, didn't look to easy to get in there.

any more ideas I can try all at once?

john

[car_boy_16]

Originally Posted by drummerjohn

It has a brand new battery and new battery cables, as well as terminals. I will take a look at the starter connections, didn't look to easy to get in there.

any more ideas I can try all at once?

john

Since the cables and terminals are new, you should re-check them. But it depends on when the problems started, you should be able to figure if these things could be causing it or if the problem was prior to the new cables and terminals being installed. But I would still double/trippple check them to rule them out with absolute certainty.

This is what I would try, with the key in the "On" position, jump the starter terminal to the positive battery post, using a piece of speaker wire. The starter should turn over when you do this. If it doesn't, then the starter is to blame for your problem. If the starter turns over and the car starts then I would start looking at the ignition switch...or something else which I am sure the much wiser camry lords will fill in for you.

[mk2-1jz]

Sounds to me like you've got a starter solenoid on its way out. You can change just the solenoid if the electric motor is still good, it would save you 30-40 bucks. You just have to take off 4 bolts and the started comes in 2 pieces, just make sure you dont lose any of the gears or the roller bearings inside.

[drummerjohn]

I will look into all of these things. This problem has been a problem for years now, my parents that used to own the car never fixed. I will test all of these things and get back to you.

Thanks again

John

[Mike Gerber]

Sounds like you have the infamous starter solenoid contact problem. This has been covered numerous times on this forum. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up. You can replace just the contacts inside the solenoid, if you choose to go that route. Personally, I'm for removing the whole starter and having it professionally rebuilt at an auto electrical rebuilder. You willl have to remove the whole starter with whatever option you choose. If you choose just to replace the starter contacts yourself and save some money, here is an article that should walk you through the procedure:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=166530

Mike

[fredk]

check the grounds really good and clean them up

[John Martens]

I've had the same thing for the last 3 months...just got around to replacing the starter contacts...6 dollars for the contacts, 1.5 hrs to get them swapped around...starts great now!!John

[car_boy_16]

Awesome! That's $6 well spent, much better than a $120 rebuilt starter.