3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Am having a problem with a 1997 camry, it will not start, does not crank. The battery is good, clean contacts at starter and battery, starter seems to work, it clicks, but wont crank, could it be the starter relay? I took the starter out and left it hooked up and verified that it was working only when i ran a ground to it, but will not work when its not bolted to the trans? How could this be? thanks
it works out of the car, even so the solenoid could still be bad (a solenoid on its way out sometimes works intermittently) or the ignition switch could be bad.
It's bolted back into the car so tap the solenoid with something solid, like a socket extension, then try and start the car. If this makes a difference, it might be the starter. You can remove it and have it tested at a shop, or if you decide the problem is the starter either change it or if you have time, rebuild it using the instructions from this site.
well I think the starter it fine tested out ok it started after I played around with the shifter so after looking on here I thought it was a problem with the park/neutral safety switch to a took it off and cleaned it then put it back on and adjusted it. But after that I cant get it to crank at all? Any ideas? Could it also be the neutral safety switch?
Do again what AlmightyCamry777 said, with everything connected and installed, and with turning the key to the start position, you only get a clicking noise, do this:
1. Turn the headlights on and then turn the ignition to START. Does it start? If it does not crank, do the headlights stay on nice & bright? If so, go to step 2.
2. Turn the key to off and turn the headlights off (your electrical connections are all good, per this test). Tap on the starter solenoid a few times with a socket extension or lightly tap with a hammer. Now turn the ignition switch to START. Does the engine turn over and start? If so, your starter solenoid is bad.
You can either take your starter solenoid apart and clean the primary contacts, rebuild them, or get a complete new starter. Starter solenoids fail fairly often on Toyota starters, and the symptoms are occassional clicking noise when trying to start the engine, which gradually increases with frequency. The starter brushes may also be worn badly and the springs are extended too far to cause good rotor contact. EIther way, if it was my car, I would get a replacement starter with a lifetime warranty. I've used this warranty several times with Toyotas already.
Ok thanks guys, well I did all as you suggested and have tapped on the starter while trying to start several times and get no results, i can hear the starter relay click when I turn the key but it just will not crank, I have taken the starter out and jumped it and it works perfect every time, so i am sure it is working fine, something is just not letting it go once its on the car? what could cause this, could it be the park/neutral switch or neutral safety switch that would cause it, it did start twice when I played around with the shifter and put it in neutral, but then nothing after that I was wondering how I can test these to see it thats what the problem it. Any ideas???
OK, you tested it again, same results. What was happening to the headlights in step #1 of post #4? That is very important to know to take the next step.
Have you checked your ground wire connection at the engine/transmission (the larger diameter wire that is grounded on the engine/transmission that is directly connected to the negative terminal of the battery). Depending upon the headlight test result, that ground wire may be suspect or the connection at the engine/transmission may be suspect.
Ok thought I would put an update , I got it figured out ended up being the park neutral switch I cleaned it and increased the spring contact length becasue it didnt seem to be making contact and but it all back together and it works every time now
However, that park/neutral position switch is located between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. So if the park/neutral position switch was open, it would not have been possible to hear the starter solenoid clicking (because no power could have been going to it). Yet you heard the starter solenoid click (you said you could hear the starter click when it was installed and you turned the key).
The fix doesn't explain the description of the situation. At any rate, it seems to be working now, so I'm glad you are back on the road again.
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I was wondering how I can test these to see it thats what the problem it. Any ideas???
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