3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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My 97 camry starter wont work unless the headlites are on. When I try to turn the engine on, without the headlites on the starter tries to turn but wont. If I turn the headlites on, the engine starts right up. If I turn engine off and wait less than 5 sec, the car will restart without turning on the headlites. If I wait longer than 5 sec then I have to turn on the headlites before the starter will turn the engine and start the car. I dont have a schematic with me so I can't see any possible connection. Help
Are your battery terminals clean and making proper connection?
__________________ 2000 Lexus ES300 Millenium Edition1MZ-FE 64,000 Km 1993 Camry V6 LE3VZ-FE 164,000 Km SOLD but still in the family 1990 Camry LE2VZ-FE 202,000 Km 1987 Camry LE3S-FE 435,000 Km 1971 Corolla 2-door Coupe2T-C 260,000 miles
I think they are clean and tight, but I will check them again. I'm not sure of the connection between the headlites and enough current getting to the starter, but I am at a loss.
i have to say that's one of the weirdest problems i've ever heard. Since it WILL start then we know it probably isn't the starter at fault. The only connection (no pun intended) between the leadlights and the starter is what? Answer, the ignition switch. True the lights come on whether the ignition switch is on or not BUT almost everything that needs power in the car goes through it. And of course it does provide power to everything else on the light switch stalk. So i'd fiddle with the ignition switch for a minute just to see what happens.
Try removing all your keys and use the key alone (the weight of the key ring can effect the switch). Try jiggling the key while you turn and see if that makes a difference. If it does, you may need a new ignition switch if not, you may need a good auto electrician.
My 97 camry starter wont work unless the headlites are on. When I try to turn the engine on, without the headlites on the starter tries to turn but wont. If I turn the headlites on, the engine starts right up. If I turn engine off and wait less than 5 sec, the car will restart without turning on the headlites. If I wait longer than 5 sec then I have to turn on the headlites before the starter will turn the engine and start the car. I dont have a schematic with me so I can't see any possible connection. Help
No I live near Tampa Florida. I found a wiring diagram for the 97 camry LE. The common point is the 40A main fuse. It checked out good. Going to check out the starter relay and the wire from the main fuse to the starter anv the lights.
I think it might be the ignition switch at fault.
as mentioned above, it is the only device that interconnects head lights (and other circuits) with ignition cylinder wires...
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4SALE: connectors for Camry Headlight Wiring Harness and ECU
When my dad bought his '96 Camry new, all the new Toyotas at that particular dealer (Liberty Toyota in Colorado Springs) had an anti-theft device installed. It was very simple. You had to flash your lights to start the car for the device to notice a current drain.
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Tom
2004 Prius Touring Edition
2003 Corolla Luxel
2000 Camry LE - Lunar Mist Metallic
Five posts from the OP and no final answer back from him. I wonder if he ever did get to the bottom of this. These types of things have always intrigued me.
Roach, Sorry I didn't get back with the fix. I had a lot of other problems that I had to fix. Anyway, after pulling and checking the starter, which checked OK,I started checking the wiring and found that the wires going from the start fuse which was supposed to go to the starter went to a little box under the battery shelf. The the box had a rubber boot over iy and a toggle switch under the boot. I toggled the switch and was then able to start the engine without first turning on the headlites.
Roach, Sorry I didn't get back with the fix. I had a lot of other problems that I had to fix. Anyway, after pulling and checking the starter, which checked OK,I started checking the wiring and found that the wires going from the start fuse which was supposed to go to the starter went to a little box under the battery shelf. The the box had a rubber boot over iy and a toggle switch under the boot. I toggled the switch and was then able to start the engine without first turning on the headlites.
Lou
Lou,
Glad you were able to track it down and get things taken care of. Any idea what the "Little Box" and toggle switch were all about? Aftermarket anti-theft? or something OEM unique to that particular car?
Thanks for getting back to us. I was afraid we might never hear back from you on this. Wiring troubles scare me.
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Any idea what the "Little Box" and toggle switch were all about? Aftermarket anti-theft? or something OEM unique to that particular car?
I was afraid we might never hear back from you on this. Wiring troubles scare me.
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