Starter problems !?!? (gen 4)

[Poser]

First, I would like to thank this forum for all the help I have recieved in the past...

I own a 94 corolla and at one point had zero automotive knowledge.... but as a result of this forum, some unfortunately timed car problems and a haynes manual... I have overcome my apprehension and gotten elbows deep and intimate with my toyotas. So thanks!

No the problem:

This morning my wife and I swapped cars. When I went to start hers (gen4 99camry 4 cyl), I was greeted with what sounded like machine gun fire (a rapid staccato that persisted until I released the ignition). It almost sounds like a relay opening and closing extremely quickly. I have replaced the starter (thanks again to ToyotaNation help) on her car about 8-9 mos. ago.
Here were my trouble shooting steps:

1. Popped the hood to find that the positive battery terminal was highly caked, so I removed the terminal ends wire brushed and sanded them down and cleaned the positive lead on the battery. - No change

2. I then suspected that it could be the starter again (maybe the plunger on the "fly wheel" engaging and disengaging was the sound???)... so I disconected power to the starter and fired the ignition. - This time, no sound at all.

3. Reconnected the starter, tried again and experienced the sound again... and of course the engine is not turning over.

I have removed the starter and plan on taking it to advance where I purchased it see if it is still covered.

Can anyone think of any other problems that may cause this sound, and result in the engine failing to turn over

thanks
~poser

[Kep]

Usually, rapid clicking denotes a low battery, not a starter problem. The corroded terminal may have restricted the charge as well as power to the starter. I suspect, once you cleaned it, that it would have started with a jump. I would put the starter back on and try again either after charging the battery up or jump starting it (give the jump about 10 - 15 mins to charge the depleted battery).

If it is a low battery it could be a problem with the battery and/or the alternator. If it starts with the jump drive in to an Auto Zone and ask them to check the battery and alternator. They do this for free (figuring that they will sell you either an alternator or battery most likely). You might call around and check other parts stores. Many of them do this.

By the way, one click (for each key turn) is usually indicative of a bad starter.

Kep

[Poser]

@kep...

thank sir... I got the starter bench tested, and you are correct... its working fine. I think the battery is toast, and it is simply not supplying enough juice to engage the contacts and turn the pinion motor.

will report back after a battery test and/or change

[eurohazard]

Good call....dead battery!

At least it's an easy and relatively cheap repair. Heck it's barely a repair, it's more like maintenance.

[Poser]

Was the battery!

Replaced and away we go... next to pull the alternator and test it

[Poser]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

Good call....dead battery!

At least it's an easy and relatively cheap repair. Heck it's barely a repair, it's more like maintenance.

right you are... and the battery was still covered... double bonus

[Kep]

Normally, you can have the alternator tested while still mounted in the car. Often free at auto parts stores. Call around.

Kep