97 5SFE starting problem

[sbushnak]

Hey all,

I am having trouble starting my 1997 Camry with the 5SFE engine. Current mileage @ 193,000 miles.

I have searched and read all posts regarding starting problems but I need to make sure about the symptoms before I start replacing parts on my car.

It just happened today. I had my car for 2 years now and this is the 1st time my car does not start.

Here's what happened:

1. I let a friend to try to start my car and I heard just 1 click from the starter and than nothing after that. He tried to start a few times and I did not hear the click after that.

2. The dash lights all come up with only the digital clock going dim while trying to start. I tried the same thing now with the headlights on and it did not dim at all.

3. The battery posts and starter cables are all secure, nothing lose.

4. The battery is new. Less than a year old.

With my limited knowledge, I am thinking it's the starter that's needs replacement.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[LynchburgCSI]

Definitely sounds like it's the starter. I had to replace a starter on my friend's 97 5S for the exact same symptoms. Are you replacing it yourself or taking it into a shop?

[sbushnak]

Thanks Lynchburg, I am thinking to replace it myself. It looks like an easy task plus I have the FSM and TN!

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Definitely sounds like it's the starter. I had to replace a starter on my friend's 97 5S for the exact same symptoms. Are you replacing it yourself or taking it into a shop?

[LynchburgCSI]

No problem! You also have my favorite thing I link people to on TN: http://www.**********s.com/camry/

[Nervous]

I'd recommend to figure out what exactly is wrong with the starter. The FSM contains a description of testing procedure. Basically, you need to figure out is it a solenoid (most likely) or a motor itself (less likely). In both cases, you can rebuild the starter yourself. Refer to this topic about restoring the solenoid: DIY--Replace Solenoid Contacts and Plunger on 00 Camry V6
You may buy set of new contacts on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370357378308
If motor brushes are the problem, you can buy them at dealer for $17-23. For example, at partznet.com.

[sbushnak]

Well I know myself and if I can replace the starter successfully, I will be happy!

Not to mention I need the car as fast as possible. But I found a junkyard that has a used starter for $35 and they are open tomorrow.

Thanks Nervous for the link. I am still reading the link you posted and you never know, I might just rebuild it in the end.

Originally Posted by Nervous

I'd recommend to figure out what exactly is wrong with the starter. The FSM contains a description of testing procedure. Basically, you need to figure out is it a solenoid (most likely) or a motor itself (less likely). In both cases, you can rebuild the starter yourself. Refer to this topic about restoring the solenoid: DIY--Replace Solenoid Contacts and Plunger on 00 Camry V6
You may buy set of new contacts on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370357378308
If motor brushes are the problem, you can buy them at dealer for $17-23. For example, at partznet.com.

[carsrus]

This is gonna sound crude and low tech but take a hammer and smack the starter a couple times. It should start after that.

Same thing happened with mine. Would start no problem 20 times in a row but sometimes wouldn't start 10 times in a row. Kept a hammer in the car until I replaced it.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by carsrus

This is gonna sound crude and low tech but take a hammer and smack the starter a couple times. It should start after that.

Same thing happened with mine. Would start no problem 20 times in a row but sometimes wouldn't start 10 times in a row. Kept a hammer in the car until I replaced it.

+1. You get a few more starts out of her that way.

[sbushnak]

I read about smacking it in another thread. Well I will try it first thing tomorrow before removing it. But I think I will replace it anyways regardless if the hammer trick works or not.

Originally Posted by carsrus

This is gonna sound crude and low tech but take a hammer and smack the starter a couple times. It should start after that.

Same thing happened with mine. Would start no problem 20 times in a row but sometimes wouldn't start 10 times in a row. Kept a hammer in the car until I replaced it.

[sbushnak]

Here's an update:

The hammer trick did not work. Still the car did not start.

I went to AZ and rented out an OBDII scanner. I want to make sure there are no codes. On Friday, there was no CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

Well today I found 1!

P1780 Park/Neutral Position Switch Malfunction (Only For A/T)

I tried to jiggle the gearshift but nothing worked. I will search about this problem but can anyone tell me how to fix it?

Thanks

[fenixus]

http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen4/Diagnostics.pdf

page 178

check basics first like IGN fuse, EFI fuse and EFI relay (give it a few knocks it might be stuck) other than that manual says more (sorta complicated).

HINT:
Read freeze frame data using TOYOTA hand–held tester or OBD II scan tool. Because freeze frame records
the engine conditions when the malfunction is detected, when troubleshooting it is useful for determining
whether the vehicle was running or stopped, the engine warmed up or not, the air–fuel ratio lean or rich, etc.
at the time of the malfunction.

[sbushnak]

Thanks fenixus, I checked the fuses and relay and still nothing worked.

I still believe that the park neutral switch is broken and needs replacement.

Is there a way I can start my car by bypassing this switch?

Originally Posted by fenixus

http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen4/Diagnostics.pdf

page 178

check basics first like IGN fuse, EFI fuse and EFI relay (give it a few knocks it might be stuck) other than that manual says more (sorta complicated).

[sbushnak]

Thanks. I found out where is it. I tried to play around with it and the connections seems to be OK.

How can I clean it?

Originally Posted by pgmomni

But you will need to go under car and find where its sticking out of side of transmission.

Switch opens ignition circuit so starter will not run in anything but neutral.

Depending on the connector you should be able to just jump a wire across the 2 connectors.

BUT, while you are under there, just change it out.

It might just needs its connections cleaned up, thats has worked for me a couple of times.

Pete

[Chris Crash]

Originally Posted by sbushnak

Thanks. I found out where is it. I tried to play around with it and the connections seems to be OK.

How can I clean it?

If you wanna bypass it, let me know. I had to do the same thing. I'll send you pictures of what wires to tap.

[sbushnak]

Thanks Chris, but that would not be necessary. I managed to fix my problem!

Today morning, I decided to check all fuses and relays. I checked the fuse box under the steering wheel, and the 5A starter fuse was burnt.

I replaced it and my car started right up. So far so good, the fuse did not burn yet. I just hope it's not short somewhere.

Thank you all for your help.

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

If you wanna bypass it, let me know. I had to do the same thing. I'll send you pictures of what wires to tap.