Odd starter problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Rebound91 · 01-11-2010, 01:37 PM

1991 Camry, 3S-FE, auto.

When I start the car on a very cold morning for the first time, my starter appears to be stuck on for up to 5 seconds after letting go of the key. I had this happen very rarely last winter, and it went away during the spring/summer/fall, but now it's back and much worse than last year. This only happens once. Even if I turn the car off and start it right back up, it won't do it.

I'm sure there's a good chance that something is getting stuck inside the starter, but is there anywhere else I can look before I go tossing a starter in? Could there be something sticking in the steering column near the ignition switch?

Doctor J · 01-11-2010, 08:14 PM

When it does like that step on the brakes and shift out of park (to R). If starter stps then the problem can be related to the ignition key; if starter keeps running the ssolenoid plunger spring can be weak or broken.
Note if neutral start switch was bypassed, this test will not work.

Rebound91 · 01-13-2010, 01:29 PM

Thanks Dr. J. I'll have to try that. One time when it happened, it actually went long enough where I was able to turn the key off and remove it, and it kept going for a couple more seconds. As said before, this will only happen once, then it won't happen until usually the next morning.

Can you replace the solenoid return spring? I've seen the write-ups about replacing the contacts, but the symptoms that occur with worn contacts aren't what I'm experiencing.

hzt30 · 01-13-2010, 01:37 PM

Hang a voltmeter on the starter wire while in this condition to see if voltage is still there. If not, it sounds like a stuck solenoid. If voltage exists then check the ignition switch.

Rebound91 · 01-17-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hzt30

Hang a voltmeter on the starter wire while in this condition to see if voltage is still there. If not, it sounds like a stuck solenoid. If voltage exists then check the ignition switch.

Actually, there's an idea. Either that, or rig up a small 12V test lamp inside the car so I can look at it as it happens. Of course, now it's above 40 degrees outside and it's working fine. Thanks people.