Weird Starting Problems - Starter/Ignition Switch

[Eleximp]

Hey all,
I'm new to this forum as it looks like it has a lot of useful information.

My mother has been having troubles with her 1998 Camry I4 and I am hoping I can help her out by fixing it.

It's been having weird starting issues lately:
-When I try starting the car, sometimes I will hear one click(followed by a faint electrical noise).
-I tried jumping it and cranked it a few times until it finally did start, then drove it around for 25 minutes or so(When it did start, it sounded like it started under full power so I feel like the battery is not the problem)
-Stopped the car, tried to start again, and heard the same one click again
-Tried starting it again, and every few times i turned the key it would randomly sputter to a start.

From previous experience with my cars, I would say this is the starter however I would like to make sure before I go to NAPA and spend the $180 on the starter. Could this be anything else that I may have missed? Thank You very much! -Steve

[1996camry]

your contact inside the starter worn out... look at the link below
DIY--Replace Solenoid Contacts and Plunger on 00 Camry V6
and also you can do a search on this forum for DIY replaced contact.

[eyeball96]

^^^^Agree with 1996Camry!.....at least from your description thats what it seems to be!

[haux]

If this is indeed the problem, and you go through with the procedure, you could also check about my version of the DIY -> Starter Solenoid Contacts Replacement DIY (2000 I4) ...the photos might be a bit more helpful.

[Eleximp]

Thank You to everyone!

I am now very glad I asked since this route will be much cheaper than buying a whole new one!