Half a crank and then kit-kit-kit-kit-kit - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jpbear · 03-01-2007, 08:51 AM

My 98 Camry yesterday refused to start.

I had driven it for about 8 miles and stopped at a place to pick up something. After about 15 minutes are so, I tried to start it, the engine perhaps cranked once and then this noise started up under the hood that went kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit and the cranking stopped.

I looked under the hood and the nose was coming from the metal enclosure next to the engine - that houses one of the motors or something.

I had to call AAA and it was towed to a dealership. While I await the diagnosis, what could have been the problem with it? and how much would i have to shell out at the dealer..

ShawnM · 03-01-2007, 09:08 AM

Sounds like a weak battery to me. OEM car batteries have an average life span of 5 years or so. The other possibility is you have a charging system problem. The noise your describing is typically what happens when there isnt enough power in the battery to fully engage the starter motor. As usual everything at the dealer is going to cost a little more due to the higher labor rate.

terrastrife · 03-01-2007, 09:12 AM

wait a sec... the AAA couldnt get you home?

abew330 · 03-01-2007, 09:22 AM

i second the batt...

i just had my batt replace and had similar probs...

kamrhee · 03-01-2007, 09:25 AM

While you're at it (changing the battery), get some info if your alternator is charging the system. These services are usually free from the place you purchase your battery.

kamrhee

MemphisR · 03-01-2007, 09:39 AM

well if by metal enclosure next to the engine he means transmission that might be why he couldn't just get a jump from the AAA tow truck but its near impossible to diagnosis a problem without seeing or hearing the vehicle, but a 98 would defintely have needed a trans flush by now especially the way camry trannys are ALWAYS dirty . . . that could be the start of your current situation

nodrogkam · 03-01-2007, 10:04 AM

lol wow that could have been fixed by a simple jump, unless they tried it already and that didnt work.

that clicking is the starter not getting enough power to send to the distributor caps to get the spark plugs started for ignition.

man i hope you dont get raped at the dealership for this.

battery's need to be replaced every 6 years in the USA (if you get a standard type battery).

The problem you have is simply the chemicals in the battery not holding a charge anymore. I've helped 3 people with old battery's (gen 4 cam) start up with a jump that have your same symptoms. I've also had to jump my own car when i had left the radio on for too long while working on my car.

bill buttermore · 03-01-2007, 12:58 PM

If the dealership is honest and competent, they will test both the battery and the starter to determine whether they need to be replaced, they will also test the alternator to make sure it is functioning properly, and they should also check the cables and electrical connections to make sure they are clean and tight. At a dealer, I would guess this might cost $150 in labor charges plus the parts and labor cost of any components that need to be replaced.

jpbear · 03-01-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodrogkam

lol wow that could have been fixed by a simple jump, unless they tried it already and that didnt work.

that clicking is the starter not getting enough power to send to the distributor caps to get the spark plugs started for ignition.

man i hope you dont get raped at the dealership for this.

battery's need to be replaced every 6 years in the USA (if you get a standard type battery).

The problem you have is simply the chemicals in the battery not holding a charge anymore. I've helped 3 people with old battery's (gen 4 cam) start up with a jump that have your same symptoms. I've also had to jump my own car when i had left the radio on for too long while working on my car.

The tow guy did try a Jump but it didnt work.

The dealer did call and say he was going to put a new battery and test it. everything seems to be allright - (now thats a honest dealer!)

jpbear · 03-02-2007, 08:38 AM

Got my car back - with a new battery and it works like a charm. The dealer charged me 136$ including Labor (Carousel Toyota, Glen Mills, PA).

Thanks all.

nodrogkam · 03-02-2007, 09:04 AM

wow a jump should have worked like a charm if he knew what he was doing.

Anyways 136 isnt too bad, but i get the feeling the tow guy felt like towing a car.

ghettosled · 03-02-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodrogkam

wow a jump should have worked like a charm if he knew what he was doing.

Anyways 136 isnt too bad, but i get the feeling the tow guy felt like towing a car.

agreed. most tow guys prefer to tow because they get extra $$$, especially from AAA.