Starter Woes

[drbuzz]

All:

We have a 1997 Camry XLE, V6 3.0L, which has started having starter problems. Turning the key, we get a click, and most times, hear a whirring. After multiple times, it *might* finally start. I put in a new battery, so that is not it, for sure. Doing due diligence on the Net, it seems to come down to the starter and/or the solenoid. Without replacing (and thus buying) both beforehand, is there a quick-and-dirty test to figure out which (if not both) is/are responsible? THX

[Venom_5]

there might be a way to test beforehand that i dont know of, but people usually just replace the starter or the solenoid since theyre not too expensive and pretty quick to install

i would try the starter first

[toyocam99]

I have a 99 camry and had the same problem, it's probably the starter.

My neighbor told me if you tap the starter with a hammer that it'll work, but that's a temporary fix.

Hope I helped.

[Mike Gerber]

The starter and solenoid are sold as a 1 piece unit on your Camry and also on most cars today.

toyocam99 is correct, you can tap the starter with a hammer or a wrench while someome holds the key in the start position and if it then starts, you have varified you have the common "starter solenoid contact problem". You can if you choose, just replace the starter's solenoid contacts. They are available at the dealer. Here's a thread that will walk you through the process:

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

Mike

[drbuzz]

Mike, et al.:

Replaced the starter/solenoid unit this a.m., and it fired right up. Many thanks to you all for getting me rolling again!

drbuzz