88 Camry compounded starter problem!

[tom42nm]

Posted before on my 88 4 cyl 5 speed possible ring gear starter not engaging problem until I rocked the car about two inches while in gear (with the key in the OFF position - had to jump in once as it started right up on an slight incline!).
Today, tturn key and just a slight click, no starter. roll started and starts right up.
Tried the tap method on the staretr, worked four times, then nothing.

With the five speed, clutch switch, can put it in neutral, disconnect the spade terminal on the starter and run a hot wire from the pos batt terminal to this connection to check the solenoid and starter?
Battery is good 12.4 v (new), cleaned terminals etc.

So running a hot wire from the battery should energize correct?
Pulling everything tomorrow and ordering ring gear'
Tom

[white90dx]

Add a supplemental starter relay - a link to the thread is in the stickies at the top. That should solve most or all of your problems.

With the factory wiring, the current for the starter solenoid goes through a long distance of fairly small gauge wire, which as it ages starts to have extra resistance leaving insufficient power to fully operate the starter solenoid.

You can check the theory by jumpering directly to the starter solenoid, as you thought (in neutral, of course!).

-Charlie

[tom42nm]

Got it started again by tapping and rolling, then no response from key. Ran 12 ga wire from pos bat to spade connection on starter - no response except slight spark at batt terminal. Have power to main wire on starter.

Running into the same problem finding correct starter (match Toyota part number) for this Japan station wagon.
Going to check the contacts on this one.

Tom

[Doctor J]

If starter does not operate from the battery attach the test light 9 or 12v, 3.4 W bulb (NOT voltmeter !!) between the big solenoid to motor trminal (hidden under rubber boot; facing firewall) and a ground. Turn the key to start and watch the light:
if it is on the motor has bad brushes and must be replaced;
if it is off and there is no click the solenoid has a high resistance in pull-in coil