Can won't start, getting single click

[denisesballs]

Hey guys,

A few weeks ago I went to start my car and it would not, I would just get a single click. All the interior lights worked fine, dome sound, radio etc. I tried again about 10 minutes later and it started no problem. Haven't had a problem again until this morning.

This morning I drove to work fine. About 2 hours later I went to go to the store and when I turned the key, I got nothing. Just a little hum. Again all the interior electronics were working. I read around on the forum here and saw people talking about the battery and the terminals so I checked and my negative was a little loose. I moved it around and tightened it and now I at least get the single click again but no start.

Could this mean the battery itself it going and I should just replace the whole thing? Terminals look clean and everything. Thanks!

EDIT: Obviously meant Car won't start but can't edit the title!

[93celicaconv]

It means the starter relay located on your starter is being activated to close a power contact (to bring full battery voltage & current to your starter motor), but the contacts have become pitted and burned, and sometimes don't close properly to get a good contact to the starter motor. Or you may have worn brushes in your starter motor too.

Best to get a replacement starter. If your interior lights stay on nice and bright, it usually means your battery and the battery terminals are fine, just your starter contacts have worn out.

[denisesballs]

Originally Posted by 93celicaconv

It means the starter relay located on your starter is being activated to close a power contact (to bring full battery voltage & current to your starter motor), but the contacts have become pitted and burned, and sometimes don't close properly to get a good contact to the starter motor. Or you may have worn brushes in your starter motor too.

Best to get a replacement starter. If your interior lights stay on nice and bright, it usually means your battery and the battery terminals are fine, just your starter contacts have worn out.

Think you were right. I messed with the connection on the starter and that was a little loose too and got it to start. I'll at least be able to get back home and look closer/tighten/clean it tonight. Thanks!

[Mike Gerber]

It may also be worn starter solenoid contacts, a common problem on Camrys. If cleaning the connections at the battery and starter (make sure you remove the negative battery terminal first and reattach it last) don't solve the problem, then do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up on the problem, it's causes and it's cures. Worn out starter solenoid contacts have been covered numerous times on this forum.

Mike