Help me with weird no start issue

[Shapeup1]

I have a 1993 camry 6 cyl 3.
Never have a problem starting it, turn the key and bang it starts.
Two days ago I turned the key it did the motion but didn't catch. Suprised I turned the key again and it started no problem.
Fast forward yesterday, I did a couple of short trips and no problem, then in the afternoon I go to the grocery store , when I go to start it spins but didn't start, tried several few time nothing. (now inside I'm starting to freak out)
I walked back home went back an hour and half latter nothing doesen't start.
Went back this morning turned the key and it started WTF??

Drove it back home and will try again in half an hour see what happens, but its driving me crazy on what can it be? Also does this car hold in memory errors so the mechanic can scan it?

What do you guys think? Thanks kindly for your help

[toyomoho]

Not all engine systems are linked to code readout.

Any difference in starting when engine is hot, set for say 30 minutes or cold started in the morning?

[eyeball96]

Sounds like Starter contacts!

Random not starting

^^I did a search for you!

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

Sounds like Starter contacts!

Color me clueless, but it sounds like the engine is turning over but not catching -- that ain't starter contacts.

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Any difference in starting when engine is hot, set for say 30 minutes or cold started in the morning?

I'd like to know the same thing.

Also, are you set up to pull a spark plug (or maybe you've got a spare spark plug available) when this happens so you can check for spark?

[Shapeup1]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Not all engine systems are linked to code readout.

Any difference in starting when engine is hot, set for say 30 minutes or cold started in the morning?

Not much difference, with the engine hot it starts faster.(like on contact) Cold it takes like half a second more.....

Since bringing it home this afternoon I went out twice and it started on contact.

[Shapeup1]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

Sounds like Starter contacts!

Random not starting

^^I did a search for you!

Thanks for the search friend, but it always turns....

[carsrus]

hmmm I think it could possibly be a spark/ignition issue. Have you had a tune up recently? If you never have, new plugs, wires and rotor might solve the prob.

Next time it doesnt wanna start take a spare spark plug and pull off one of the wires. Then ground the plug with the wire on and see if its sparking.

Does/did it run fine when it was rainy outside in the morning?

[96paseo]

Originally Posted by Shapeup1

I have a 1993 camry 6 cyl 3.
Never have a problem starting it, turn the key and bang it starts.
Two days ago I turned the key it did the motion but didn't catch. Suprised I turned the key again and it started no problem.
Fast forward yesterday, I did a couple of short trips and no problem, then in the afternoon I go to the grocery store , when I go to start it spins but didn't start, tried several few time nothing. (now inside I'm starting to freak out)
I walked back home went back an hour and half latter nothing doesen't start.
Went back this morning turned the key and it started WTF??

Drove it back home and will try again in half an hour see what happens, but its driving me crazy on what can it be? Also does this car hold in memory errors so the mechanic can scan it?

What do you guys think? Thanks kindly for your help

How many miles? Do you have a CEL? I'm wondering if the ECT is going open when it feels like it. Could be intermittent CPS as well.

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by carsrus

hmmm I think it could possibly be a spark/ignition issue. Have you had a tune up recently? If you never have, new plugs, wires and rotor might solve the prob.

Next time it doesnt wanna start take a spare spark plug and pull off one of the wires. Then ground the plug with the wire on and see if its sparking.

Does/did it run fine when it was rainy outside in the morning?

IIRC, this rig uses individual coil packs fired through an igniter (and the igniter has a separate trigger line for each coil pack). No rotor. If this turns out to be a spark issue, I'd think the most likely possibilities would be the ignition switch (specifically, the IG2 side of the switch, such that no B+ at the igniter) or possibly a bad connection or ground to the igniter. Off chance other bad / loose connectors, too. Bitch to trace this down when it's intermittent.

Just can't see how bad plugs or wires could give a no-start condition. Might run rough as crap, but no-start doesn't seem likely.

Have some starting fluid ready to squirt into the intake manifold for the next time this happens would also be useful -- if this is a no-fuel issue, starting fluid should at least make 'er try to catch.

[eyeball96]

Originally Posted by Shapeup1

I have a 1993 camry 6 cyl 3.
Never have a problem starting it, turn the key and bang it starts.
Two days ago I turned the key it did the motion but didn't catch. Suprised I turned the key again and it started no problem.
Fast forward yesterday, I did a couple of short trips and no problem, then in the afternoon I go to the grocery store , when I go to start it spins but didn't start, tried several few time nothing. (now inside I'm starting to freak out)
I walked back home went back an hour and half latter nothing doesen't start.
Went back this morning turned the key and it started WTF??

Drove it back home and will try again in half an hour see what happens, but its driving me crazy on what can it be? Also does this car hold in memory errors so the mechanic can scan it?

What do you guys think? Thanks kindly for your help

Maybe I'm reading into it but, spins, isn't cranking, and I don't see catching as cranking either.

Originally Posted by hill8570

Color me clueless, but it sounds like the engine is turning over but not catching -- that ain't starter contacts.

I had the same problem with the daughter 96, you'd turn the key, and nothing, after a few more tries, it would "Catch"...and then Crank!

Your not clueless, but maybe I am! If the engine Cranks, your right it ain't starter contacts

[flyeri]

What spins? Engine or just starter motor? Sorry if I missed this somewhere.

[Leviathan66610]

...Um, well... Alot of things spin. The crankshaft and the flywheel are the main components that spins only because of the starter turning them, but the timing belt connects that also to your camshafts which in turn also spin just not as fast.

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by Leviathan66610

...Um, well... Alot of things spin. The crankshaft and the flywheel are the main components that spins only because of the starter turning them, but the timing belt connects that also to your camshafts which in turn also spin just not as fast.

But who's on first?

[Leviathan66610]

lol well it's all simultaneous. But I guess you could say technically the starter spins first.