3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Over the past 2 weeks my car (99 4 cyl Camry) has developed a nasty habit, it does not start sometimes. Once in a while, I turn the key and nothing happens, starter does not crank the engine at all. If I try it again and again (turn the key on/off), after 2-5 tries it starts just fine. Battery is new and fully charged.
I've looked through the manual and it looks like couple of things can go wrong
1. Starter
2. Starter solenoid
Anything else? How can I test the starter to see if it's causing a problem? I know on my other car I can take +12v to the control wire and the starter spins. Can I do similar testing with this unit? I appreciate your advice on how to debug this problem.
I'm not sure if there's one nearby, but Advance Auto parts does free alternator and starter tests. I'd take the car there, or to another auto place that does free testing. They'll be able to tell if it's actually a problem with the starter or not.
I'm not sure if there's one nearby, but Advance Auto parts does free alternator and starter tests. I'd take the car there, or to another auto place that does free testing. They'll be able to tell if it's actually a problem with the starter or not.
That's a good idea, I'll try that. Any other suggestions what to test?
First thing I would do is check that the start lead, (the smaller wire going to your starter), is not loose. I would bet that your starter needs brushes. If it ever just wont start for you get something like a small hammer and tap the starter. NOT TO HARD!! This will seat the brushes back up against the armature and in most cases your car will start again. You can DIY new brushes if you are so inclined otherwise a new or reman starter is likely in order.
Sounds like the common starter solenoid contacts problem. Do a search for "starter contacts" and read up on the problem, a simple way to test for it, and your options to repair it.
It's A/T. All the light come on when I turn the key. It does not happen often, maybe 1 out of 10 starts. When it happens, I just off/on the key 2-5 times and it starts. I'll search for starter/solenoid contacts. My problem does sound like a bad connection somewhere. I assume I'll have to pull the starter out to replace contacts, right?
Thanks
it could also be your inhibitor switch. this is the switch that allows the car to be started only on Park and Neutral. it is also the switch that completes the circuit for your reverse lights when you put it in reverse.
try putting it in neutral and see if it starts right away next time.
When it does not start, I can hear loud clicking under the hood. My starter relay definitely clicks and I can hear the solenoid inside the starter clicking as well. So I think I'll try to replace starter contacts to see if it fixes the problem.
One single click (for each key turn) is a good indication that the starter contacts are worn. Often can be rebuilt but replacing is OK. If the Bendex gear is OK when you pull the starter then rebuild. If the Bendex is all chewwed up then replacement might be in order (though check the flywheel too)
Multiple clicks is an indication of low power reaching the starter. Could be coroded wires, loose and/or coroded battery terminals bad connection at starter, bad battery, bad alternator.,..
Kep
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Often, it's the loose screw between the steering wheel and the driver's seat that needs to be fixed first!
When it does not start, I can hear loud clicking under the hood. My starter relay definitely clicks and I can hear the solenoid inside the starter clicking as well. So I think I'll try to replace starter contacts to see if it fixes the problem.
ok, so something is actually happening when you turn the key. i took your first post too literally and thought that nothing happened at all. if the starter is making clicking noises, then disregard my suggestion about the inhibitor switch being at fault.
as mentioned above, it could quite possibly be your starter solenoid or dirty battery connections.
i don't think it would be the alternator. the alternator only starts functioning after the engine starts, not during.
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