help! camry takes 4-5 key turns to finally start

[drazzie]

hi guys, my 97 camry takes atleast 4 or 5 key turns to finally start, this problem just started happening 3 days ago. but the weird thing is that it doesnt even make any noise whatsoever when i turn the key the first few times, then after 5 times it fires up like it normally would. any ideas as to what might have caused this? i also noticed that the fans turn on when i turn on the car, normally the fans only turn on when the engine gets hot.

[96CamrySport]

if it takes 4-5 times to crank the engine over, and it makes no noise before that (or a single "click" from the engine compartment, then your starter solenoid contacts are worn out. It's a common problem with the Denso starters, and can be fixed either with the solenoid contact kit or with a whole new starter. DIYers can replace the contacts for $20 or so, and a starter can be had for $100-150 plus labor. Most shops won't rebuild your starter for you, so don't be surprised if they only want to sell you a starter. As for the fans, that's kind of a stumper but I know that A/C can command the fans on. Mine doesn't have a/c so I can't really speak any more to that.

[drazzie]

now that i think of it i MIGHT have heard a faint click after the 2nd try, any other suggestions as to what might be the cause of this? im gonna stop by a shop next week.

[anti-seize]

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

I ordered a set of contacts from Roger Brown. Of course, with total disregard for the value of my own time, I actually removed my starter, noted the needed style of contacts, and reassembled and reinstalled the starter. The proper parts came promptly, but because I tightened everything up the starter worked fine (and has been working fine for the past year) I suppose my partly worn contacts were just loose.

I know I have the parts around somewhere, but It would take at least an hour to dig them up.

Don't waste your time like I did, if you are confortable doing this repair yourself, just order one of each (A, B, C & D) for US$19.50 and sell the unused ones back after you do the repair.

I'd just tell you what parts I ordered for my camry, but I can't find the parts. I'll take a photo and make a post if I find them.

[Kep]

Loose battery wires can also cause this (no click noise). Check for tight and clean connections.

Kep

[anti-seize]

Originally Posted by Kep

Loose battery wires can also cause this (no click noise). Check for tight and clean connections.

Kep

Agreed. he needs to troubleshoot to determine the problem before he starts ordering parts.

1) Open the hood and check all the connections, battery, starter, fuseable links, etc.

2) have someone operate the key switch while you are under the hood. Try to find the source of any clicking. Keep any appendages clear of anything that normally moves. Sometimes I'll use a jumper wire to kick over the starter, but maybe that's not something for a newbie to start on. I'll use a huge screwdriver sometimes, with one end on the starter solenoid and the handle gently pressed to my ear to confirm which part is making the noise.