'95 camry won't start, won't crank

[CrookedChris]

My girlfriend's '95 Camry behaved very oddly today.

When she went to start it the gas pedal was stuck firm, just wouldn't budge. When she tried to start it the CEL (and all the other warning lights) came on and stayed on and the car wouldn't even attempt to turn over.

This happened to her once before during winter and when she tried it again later in the day it worked fine. Bizarre...

Just last weekend I gave the car a basic tune up: cleaned the throttle body, adjusted the throttle cable, replaced dist cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel filter, and ran some Sea Foam through it. This weekend I planned on changing the oil, flushing coolant, and changing the brake fluid.

It was running great all week until this happened today.

Is there a switch in the automatic gear box (or level assembly) that keeps the Camry from starting if it's in the wrong gear?

I've got tons (8+ years) experience wrenching on cars but no experience with Toyotas until working with the girlfriend's car last week. I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone can give.

Thanks!

[DFBonnett]

I'd take a look at the adjustment on the throttle cable as well as the shift linkage.

[Mike Gerber]

"Is there a switch in the automatic gear box (or level assembly) that keeps the Camry from starting if it's in the wrong gear?"

The "neutral safety switch".

There is a Generation 3 (92-96) Toyota factory service manual stickied at the top of the General Camry Discussion Foroum that is available for free downloading. That should help you in identifying the switch's location and it's test procedures.

Mike

[toyomoho]

There is a lock out switch preventing the engine from cranking if not in Neutral or Park. This does not effect pedal operation. Find the throttle body pulley and see if you can rotate it by hand. If not, the throttle plate may be sticking or something is wrong with the transmission kick down cable.

On these cars, the throttle cable runs to the cruise control, then throttle pulley. See if there is something going on with the cruise control. A large black box the cables run into/from.

[leasaunce]

in all auto cars, you cannot start up the car when you place the gear on "R,D,2,L". it just wouldnt start.

when you try to start the car up, can you hear anything moving??

[CrookedChris]

Thanks for all the replies! On a tune up a couple of weeks ago I cleaned and lubed the throttle body and the cam. I adjusted the trottle cable at the same time.

It appears that securing the negative battery terminal more securely may have resolved the problem.

Thanks!