2000 Camry Starting problem

[yota088]

Hello everyone:

My 2000 camry-LE has a starting problem. Especially in a cold weather. I need to crank engine several times to get it started. I replaced the old battery with a new battery, but the problem continues.

I put key into ignition start the car, the engine cranked for few seconds, then it dies. Sometimes i press on the gas pedal while I am crank the engine, it starts.

What kind of problem it has? Alternator, charging system or the starter?

If I bring my car to a mechanic shop, how much they will charge me for diagnosis and fixes?

what shall I do and what type of questions I should ask to ensure they don't over charge me? I appreciate your advises and help!

[Mike Gerber]

"the engine cranked for few seconds, then it dies."

Are you saying the car stopped cranking (also called turning over) on it's own? When it does turn over, does it sound like it's turning over at normal cranking speed or is it a very slow cranking speed?

Mike

[RU2CHKN]

Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Do you have a check engine light?

[yota088]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Are you saying the car stopped cranking (also called turning over) on it's own? When it does turn over, does it sound like it's turning over at normal cranking speed or is it a very slow cranking speed?

Hello Mike, sorry for the late reply. I was moving to a new location, just settled down. when the car tuning over, most time it tuning over at a normal speed, then stopped with all the lights on dash board on. Could you help me figure out the cause? Thanks!

[bdy0003]

Sounds like your IAC butterfly valve is sticking due to carbon buildup. Follow these directions:

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

Otherwise, you might have to get a new IAC which should run up to 200.

[Mike Gerber]

"most time it tuning over at a normal speed, then stopped with all the lights on dash board on."

If it stops cranking on it's own, I would first check all electrical connections at the battery and the starter. Connections at the battery posts/terminals must be shinny clean. You can purchase a tool at any auto parts store for a few dollars that cleans both the external battery posts and the internal part of the battery cable ends. Walmart should also carry it. Purchase one and clean all the posts and cable ends just to eliminate them as the source of the problem. Just remove the negative cable first and reinstall it last. Also, visually inspect the cables for sources of corrosion wicking up the cables. If those 2 things don't solve the problem I would remove the starter from the car and bring it in to any auto parts store that offers free testing of the starter. The starter might be drawing too much current, causing the car to stop cranking. You will probably need a manual showing you how to remove the starter (assuming you have neve done this before), but it really is fairly easy.

Cleaning the throttle body/idle air control valve as bdy0003 suggested is probably a good idea, but I don't think it's the cause of the problem when the car stops cranking (turning over) as you are describing.

Good luck.

Mike