3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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My son has a 1993 Camry XLE with about 250k miles on it. It had been starting fine (with the exception of a couple of mornings last month when it was about -30!). Recently, he's been experiencing intermittent problems when starting it. Starts fine cold (first thing in the morning, or after sitting all day while he's at work) but sometimes won't start after he's driven it, and then it sits for about 15 - 20 minutes. For example, it started fine for him this morning both before and after work. After driving home from work (about 40 minutes city driving), he stopped to pick his wife up (car sat for maybe 5 minutes or so) and the car started no issues. Drove to the store ( < 10 minute drive), car sat for about 20 minutes, and wouldn't start. After sitting for about an hour or two, the car usually starts right up.
I'm not a DIY mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, and he's less so, but I'm hoping that we can get some ideas as to what the problem might be, and what he might expect for repair costs. The car is in pretty good shape all things considered, but at the same time, I don't like to see him start putting money into an 18 year old car again and again and again...
Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? Thanks!
Could be a couple things .. I would say to check the Neutral Safety Switch and also check the Starter. Its happening when things are heated up, and when things heat up they expand and sometimes loose contact (electrical). Could be starter Solenoids, or loosing contact on your NSS. Next time this happens, do the following steps:
1. Put the car in Neutral and try to re-start. (If this doesnt work go to #2)
2. Grab something hard and give the starter a good WHAP while a helper is trying to start the car. (If it starts, then your solenoids need replaced) If not, it may be something electrical elsewhere (Distributor, coil, Igniter, etc..). use the links below to diagnose the problem ;
Here are a couple DIY Articles I wrote on both subjects:
Thanks for advice, folks. Not sure if this will change things, but my son corrected me on a the time frames involved - if he drives for > 30 minutes, it won't start after shutting it off if he leaves it for any longer than a couple of minutes. Then it sits for at least 30 minutes before it will start.
Another note, the car had been left sitting by its previous owner for some time, as evidenced by what appeared to be the remnants of a mouse's nest in the air filter. Air filter's been changed! since then, as have fluids. He also had the fuel injectors replaced.
A buddy of his suggested it might be the fuel filter, which would be cheaper to replace than a starter - but only if it fixes the problem...
Tell your son to put it in neutral next time and see if it starts. If it doesn't tell him to give the starter a good Whap. If it then starts, the solenoids are bad.
Two things that Often cause a no-start scenario are The starter solenoids and the neutral safety switch.
Other things that Can start a no-crank / no start scenario are Faulty Ignition switch, poor contacts on battery, Faulty computer, Bad Crank Sensor, Bad Crank Sensor Wiring, Faulty IGT Circuit wiring. Most of the time the Starter or NSS is the problem, but there is always a chance when the motor heats up, its loosing the Crank Signal as well.
"Two things that Often cause a no-start scenario are The starter solenoids and the neutral safety switch."
-- will pass this on to him. Thanks!
"Other things that Can start a no-crank / no start scenario"
-- I didn't say in either of my previous posts, but it's just a no-start issue; cranks fine, and sounds like its about to start .. but doesn't.
Oh Im sorry.. more than likely the Neutral Safety Switch and Starter are OK then. I would look into checking the ignition coil, Crank / Cam sensor, Spark plug wires, Igniter and wiring out then.
The Cranks but doesn't start has a little more to it then a no-crank. no start situation. The page i Listed above (HELP! MY 5sfe Camry wont Start) Has a lot of information you can check out.
Next time the car stops running, a thing to check would be to make sure you still have spark and are getting fuel. Have handy a spark plug wrench, and remove the spark plug while the motor still wont start. Ground the plug and try to start it. If you have a bright spark thats fine. next, pull the Air box off (Clips) And spray some ether (Starting fluid) Into the tubing towards the throttle body. If it starts then you are having a fuel issue. If it doesn't start, then you will have to go more into the problem.
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1993 Camry XLE - intermittent starting problems
95 Camry
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