Hi I'm new -- have a 1995 4cyl Camry LE - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Gellenole · 03-25-2006, 12:11 AM

Hi all,

I did a search on starters and I am beginning to have a couple of problems with my car in that area and others. I love this car a lot and always have since I was a kid. I drove it about 55k already since I got it 2nd hand at 63k (now 118k). I've ran into a couple of problems.

1. My starter sometimes doesn't start.
-- 1st point I turn the key and it's silent, all the other sensor lights and radio is on (once or twice when it rains)
-- 2nd point I turn the key and it does a rapid clicking constantly (today)

2. Ever since AAA touched my car
-- My door sensor doesn't work (dome lights don't come on, open door sensor is dead)
-- I have 1 rear right brake light that doesn't work and the rear brake light sensor may be broken

3. My alarm on my car does not work anymore, only locks and unlocks -- rest is gone.

now my precious car doesn't move -- I have to work on monday and saturday is coming up -- I'm taking it to a mechanic, any advice on what I should have them check on?

PS. I need to get a coolant flush and gotta change the transmission gasket since it's leaking (my upkeep pains) any advice would be great.

Mike Gerber · 03-25-2006, 01:03 AM

For point number 1. the no sound at all, do a search on this forum for "starter contacts". It sounds like you have bad (worn) contacts inside the starter's solenoid, a common problem on Toyota (Denso) starters. The next time it makes no noise at all on startup, go locate the starter and rap the solenoid lightly with a hammer or large wrench. Don't try to break it, just tap it a bit. If it now starts, you have varified the bad starter contact problem.

When you turn the key and you get rapid clicks, it means you either have a weak battery for whatever reason (bad battery, bad alternator, or loose alternator belt) or corrosion around the battery terminals.

Mike

Gellenole · 03-25-2006, 01:34 AM

thank you all for the information you've given me, I've read somewhere about some valve that needs replacing.

I did a diagnostic at an old gas station (someone used some type of computer reader) and I got something called an air control valve that needs to be replaced. Since when I start the car at times it goes up and then down, or when it's cold it'll shiver at .5 at startup (cold).

As far as getting the car started, this only happens in the rain -- thanks all! if you got more info i'll search for them on this forum! you guys rock! never knew anyone loved camrys as much as I do -- at least a 95 LE 4cyl.

I also want to add another issue to this.

OH man all this information makes me happy! hehe, means I can start some place! -- anyway, in the mornings, my 1,2,3 "Gears" will shift in properly, but I can't get it to shift into the 4th gear and the over drive to take effect until it runs warm on the freeways. it'll just sit on 3 until the car gets warm or I've driven it for a while (reving up to 4k RPM at about 70MPH). could it be anything on transmission?

88 LE · 03-25-2006, 03:12 AM

^ Not shifting into OD (4th gear) is normal until the engine reaches a certain temp.

Cyorke · 03-25-2006, 07:32 AM

For the starter I ahve to agree with Mike. check the contacts and all battery connections.

For the not shifting 88LE has you covered. THe car will not shift into O.D until a certain temp is reached.

For the lights not coming on when the door is opened, you can try pulling whichever is the offending switch and try cleaning it with some kind of electrical parts cleaner.

For the alarm , is it the factory alarm? IF it is the RS300 VIP system. You might as well jsut get rid of it and get a good aftermarket alarm. The control unit for it is probably under the drivers seat, that is where I used to put them when I installed them at the dealer I worked for, it has probably seen better days.

Gellenole · 03-25-2006, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88 LE

^ Not shifting into OD (4th gear) is normal until the engine reaches a certain temp.

That's strange because I've never had that happen in the past. This thing only started when I would start the car and it would drop to 0 RPM and stop (check engine light comes on).

Cyorke · 03-25-2006, 12:19 PM

Maybe oyou jsut havent notice it before. But it is normal for all Toyota tarnsmissions to not shift into overdrive until the engine reaches a preset temperature.

What you are explaining sounds like something different. Are you saying that it will not stay running when you start the car. If so that is something completely different. That could be anything from needing a good tune up to throttle position sensor to air flow meter to who knows what.

atobe · 03-25-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gellenole

That's strange because I've never had that happen in the past. This thing only started when I would start the car and it would drop to 0 RPM and stop (check engine light comes on).

sounds like your air idle controler/injector is clogged and needs cleaning when it doesn't idle high when u turn on the car

Gellenole · 03-25-2006, 07:46 PM

Thank you for all the info and update.

I went to the mechanic today, and got everything cleaned out. Turns out that the battery on my car is 6 years old. lol I thought I changed that a while back! Well now after I got everything fixed i'll look into the " air idle controller" thanks for all the info!

i'll be back soon, going to get some more advice and then maybe get new tires/rims

BlackCamSe · 03-25-2006, 10:15 PM

Check your IAC valve. Toyotas 5-sfe i4 engine has had problems with the IAC valve.

pk_kk · 03-25-2006, 10:31 PM

check your fuse I think AAA blew smthn so your dome and stuff dosent work. Your gonna need a tester from wallmart. Or pull it out the dome and stuff to see if it's blown

Gellenole · 03-26-2006, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camralon2343

Check your IAC valve. Toyotas 5-sfe i4 engine has had problems with the IAC valve.

I Found a old report that was done on my car before I bought it -- the IAC valve is shot. Though that isn't my main concern, since it'll be fine once it starts up.

Anyone have advice on those? looking into Economical yet stylish with tires that come with under 700. I'd pay another 50 bucks to have it installed by a near by mechanic, but that's another issue. I was looking at some mags and I like the Suzuka model, or the 6 splits, either gun metal or black would be good.

Still looking though, if I find something i'll post to get opinions =)

16" are preferred, since they look different, but not too bad.

Gellenole · 03-26-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk_kk

check your fuse I think AAA blew smthn so your dome and stuff dosent work. Your gonna need a tester from wallmart. Or pull it out the dome and stuff to see if it's blown

Ahh sorry, I didn't write down the full story. The dome light and the door opening sensor is broken only on driver side. the other sides everything works.

=)

I'm going to get a new alarm soon as well... so now it's stuff I have to get in this order.

1. 16"/17" ICW(suzuka, Adrenaline, or Kobe wheels) or other similar style rims w/tires for under 700 out the door[non installed/free delivery].

2. I would like a new alarm for the car/ Fix driver side sensor for dome light and door opening and auto door locks.

3. New paint job + air vent flushout (some reason the camry smells with aircon on)

4. interior cleaning (car went through my school's(college) death days where I didn't take care of the interior and now it's just dirty, but not beaten up).

all in all I think I am going to spend at least 2k on this car. hehe I just need to know good prices and stuff.