Camry starting problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

reccakun · 10-19-2006, 10:36 PM

Hi all. My 1996 Camry V6 LE recently have starting problems. When I turn the key, the engine won't start. I have to keep trying it until it actually starts. This problem happens very frequest lately. Today, it took me almost 5 minutes to get it started. I'm afraid one day its not gonna start at all. So I want to get it fix as soon as possible. Do anyone of you have any idea what the problem might be?

nuchieboy · 10-20-2006, 12:07 AM

clean out your throttle body and iac valve....iac is very important...its helped my car start better...clean it out with some carb cleaner

DFBonnett · 10-20-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reccakun

Hi all. My 1996 Camry V6 LE recently have starting problems. When I turn the key, the engine won't start. I have to keep trying it until it actually starts. This problem happens very frequest lately. Today, it took me almost 5 minutes to get it started. I'm afraid one day its not gonna start at all. So I want to get it fix as soon as possible. Do anyone of you have any idea what the problem might be?

When you turn the key, does it crank over and not fire up or does it not crank at all?

reccakun · 10-20-2006, 12:00 PM

When I turn the key, it doesn't crank at all and i have to move the wheel to different position to get it started. I don't know if thats what make it start. Btw, this only happens occasionally. So i don't know what to do.

ghettosled · 10-20-2006, 12:13 PM

move the wheel to a different position to get it started??? are you accidentally locking the steering when you get in/out of the car? (to lock, when the car is off and no key in the ignition, turn the wheel until it clicks and locks into place) if you are locking it, to unlock it you do need to put the key in and turn the wheel to start the car. maybe im missing something here?

DFBonnett · 10-20-2006, 12:14 PM

The next time it happens, don't turn the wheel. Keep trying by just turning the key. If you absolutely have to turn the wheel to start it, I'll bet the ignition lock is bad. If it will finally start without moving the wheel then the likely culprit are the contacts in the starter solenoid.
Post back when you are sure and we can try to go further.

reccakun · 10-20-2006, 01:48 PM

I notice it only happens during cold start. The next time when I drive, i'll try just turning the key without touching the wheel.

DFBonnett · 10-20-2006, 03:02 PM

Check this out...

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#References

Mike Gerber · 10-21-2006, 11:38 AM

I agree with DFBonnett. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up on the problem. Worn starter solenoid contacts are most likely your problem.

Mike

reccakun · 10-21-2006, 02:31 PM

Thanks for all the reply. I've tested it. It can start without moving wheel. So with this, can i assume its a problem with the starter solenoid contacts? I'll go to a auto shop to get it fix. I just wanna isolate the problem so that I can tell the mechanics about it. I'm VERY poor and don't want them to fix thing that is not needed. Thank you for all the advice.

***eyeball96*** · 10-22-2006, 04:50 AM

Sounds like the contacts to me too! My previous camry did the same thing, and replaceing thos fixed it...I think theres a DIY thread here, if your mechaniclly inclinded! Try searching for it!

Mike Gerber · 10-22-2006, 01:49 PM

Here's the URL for the thread:

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

I believe DFBonnett also posted a URL on this.

It should be a fairly easy DIY fix. If you can't wait to order the contacts, I believe the Toyota dealers now sell them. It shouldn't be more than about $20.

Mike

big chris · 10-23-2006, 09:16 AM

I had a 93 Camry It was doing the same thing. I thought it was the starter or the switch.
It turned out the Key was worn down. I held it up to a new key and I could not believe how much the key had worn down. I have been using the same key for about 12 years.
Try a new key do not copy the old one. It fixed my problem.

reccakun · 10-24-2006, 02:03 PM

I picked up my car today. The mechanic said its the starter. After the diagnoises, the new starter, and the labor, it cost me $279 + tax is $300. I wished i could follow the instructions on the guides you guys suggested but I couldn't understand it at all.

***Eye8Pussies*** · 10-24-2006, 03:18 PM

^ that's too bad......

if you didn't know how to fix the solenoids yourself, you should have just gone and picked up a rebuilt starter and just swapped it in yourself....would have saved you a couple hundred dollars