Weird Electrical Issue

[archiver01]

Can someone please point me in the right direction. it would be much appreciated. I have '96 Camry with 200+ thous miles. The car runs great however, i went to start it today and it wont crank over. The car ran great yesterday and, until now, had no problems starting or running. (great car)

The problem is this (and it may just be a dead battery): when i turn the key to start the car, the dash lights come on, lights work, etc. However the car will not crank. There is no clicking sound coming from the starter, BUT there is a wierd clicking noise coming from behind the dashboard, AND the clock is reset and blinks with the clicking sound.

Has anyone heard this before? I am stumpted. It could be the battery. Does anyone have any idea where to start. Any response is much appreciated.
Thanks

[THEARCHITEK]

is the battery does it sounds like clack everytime u turn the key to start??
i think the batter does not have enough energy to start the motor

[archiver01]

Its really strange, but the click sound is coming from behind the dash. It starts to click only after i turn the key to crank the motor, but no crank.

[uibalnme]

I suspect the battery as well, but try cleaning the battery posts, and battery cable terminals 1st. If the cleaning doesn't help, take the battery to autozone for free testing. They can confirm if the battery needs to be replaced or not.

[archiver01]

THANKS FOR THE REPLY. I'll do that first. Is it common for camry's to act like their possesed by demons when the battery is going out?

[heartdisease]

Do you have a multi tester?

Here is a good trouble shooting start---- http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...stions/4221215


Do you know which relay powers your fuel pump? Pull that to test under load. I tested a car by removing that relay and cranking as I don't have a load tester.


Also check the ground on the starter and the frame that could do it too.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by archiver01

Is it common for camry's to act like their possesed by demons when the battery is going out?

Any car will make weird clicking noises when the battery is going out. Get the battery checked. Have you tried jump starting the car? That would an easy way to confirm the battery is dead. Then just drive to where ever and get it tested and buy a new one.

[archiver01]

THANKS FOR THE REPLYS, much appreciated

[skuttduck]

My 2000 Camry did the same thing in 2007. I was on my original battery, and it happened on my anniversary. I had to get a jump, and leave it idle in the driveway, and get a new battery before going out to dinner.

I remember that night specifically. Had I noticed anything else or had my current radar detector that displays the battery voltage I probably would have replaced the battery sooner.

[archiver01]

It happened unexpectantly. Bummer it happened on your anniversary. I'm getting a new bat today. THANKS EVERYONE! im just glad its not the computer (initially i thought it was, it was just that wierd) I think the clicking noise came from the underpowered VIP system. I was unaware of the VIP system on the camry, and it threw me for a loop.

[73sport]

I had battery do exactly that; Started the car fine that morning, drove to work, went to go home and nadda! Won't crank, but it shows 12vdc across the batter posts.

Batteries can open up severing the current capacity between the terminal lugs. Under light loads they will show and measure 12v dc across them but they can't handle a load test (starting).

As mentioned, a multimeter or even a spare 12v light of some kind held acorss the battery terminals. Now turn on the head lights. If the light across the terminals goes out its the battery or with a meter and the voltage drops below 11.5v.

If further trouble-shooting is needed, feel around for warm connections. Be careful tho cause loose connections make lots of heat.

[archiver01]

killer, thanks man. great advice, much appreciated