Starting Problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

91 Camry · 09-09-2009, 01:55 PM

This morning I tried to start my 91 Camry. It has a 3S-FE with an automatic transmission. I turned the key and nothing happened. I tried again and the same, nothing. I then got my trusty hammer and tapped on the started about three times. I turned the key and it started. I figured the original started and solenoid was bad. I replaced both and to my surprise, the car is doing the same thing. I tap on the new starter and the car starts. What am I missing? Any help would be appreciated.

Doctor J · 09-09-2009, 02:07 PM

Too bad you did not read this before buying the starter:
Starter relay

91 Camry · 09-09-2009, 02:36 PM

Thanks Doc...I'll give it a try.

91 Camry · 09-09-2009, 08:54 PM

Doc, YOU ARE A GENIUS. I took your advice. It took about 1.5 hours to install the relay.

It's guys like you that make tinkering with cars enjoyable.

Here are some photos of the work. Can you find the relay?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdaddy54/3904934599/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdaddy54/3905714784/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdaddy54/3905715038/

Doctor J · 09-10-2009, 09:07 AM

Your work seems impressive.
However I would rather use Omron relay, because one time the relay I used had not very well designed terminals. When I pushed qick disconnect terminal on the relay, the relay terminal went in and caused the battery + to be shorted onto the ground. [#86 touched #30 inside the relay]
Therefore make sure that the relay terminals cannot go in if you push on them.
It is not possible on Omron relay by design.
Istalling 10 amp fuse in the ground line is also good idea

91 Camry · 09-10-2009, 05:20 PM

Doc,

Your set-up works great while my engine is hot. This morning and coming home from work (engine cold), the car would not start. As a shot in the dark, I tapped lightle three times on the starter (just in front of the solenoid) and the car started.

Any ideas as to what's going on????

nuron · 09-10-2009, 06:34 PM

Starter contacts are sticking.

91 Camry · 09-10-2009, 08:52 PM

Thanks. Here's a dumb question: How can I unstick them?

atobe · 09-10-2009, 11:38 PM

you can buy new starter contacts or if they're not in too bad shape just use sand paper to clean them up.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/

nuron · 09-11-2009, 01:08 AM

Another guide for some backup:

http://yotarepair.com/startercontacts.html