New Battery and car still wont start

[mysterl33]

So last night, car wouldn't start. no lights or anything on the dash so I went out and bought a new battery today from sears. Get home, put it in, and......nothing. everything lights up but when i try to start the car, theres a click and then nothing. I'm guessing its the starter? There was a little smoke that came from the positive terminal so...yea i stopped trying. I left the cables disconnected and went to work.


What do ya'll think is the problem?? After searching online, it seems to be the starter.

[fenixus]

take a hammer and some extension and while someone tries cranking, give the starter cylinder a bang (hard one). if it starts then it's your starter contacts worn out.

weak battery, usually will cause relays clicking like crazy, however one click is the starter usually.

[mysterl33]

where is the starter and where should i hit it?

[fenixus]

some pics:
http://qwikstep.eu/search/toyota-camry-starter.html

you need to hit the metal cylinder, pretty much only part of starter you can see after opening the hood.

also check the battery terminals, especially the wire going to starter directly from positive terminals. make sure all is clean and tight.

[ghettosled]

i agree. one click is a bad spot on the starter.

[mysterl33]

so if I hit the starter and it starts, no need for a starter right?

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by mysterl33

so if I hit the starter and it starts, no need for a starter right?

No, that's not correct. It means the contacts inside the starter's solenoid are bad. You will have to remove the starter and either replace the whole starter or replace the starter solenoid's contacts. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up on the problem and it's cures.

Here's a DIY on replacing the solenoid contacts:

Starter Solenoid Contacts Replacement DIY (2000 I4)

Mike

[ghettosled]

what mike said, smacking the starter is only a temporary measure to get the car running again. this problem will get worse if left alone.

[mysterl33]

hopefully its just the starter so that i can bring it to a mechanic to get it fixed and not have to tow it.

got quoted $400 cash to replace the starter.. parts & labor incl. good deal?

[fenixus]

hmmm, not so good deal if you ask me.

you can buy the part on your own (Autozone, Advance Auto, rockauto.com, online Toyota parts dealer) and replace on your own, or bring to a friend who will do that for beer and peanuts

Autozone (Duralast part) prices it at $150+core($90), so extended price is $240+tax (they refund $90 after you bring your old part back).
labor is like one hour probably (per shop's book) so it would make around $80/hr in NJ depending on where you are.

Advance Auto parts has the Denso (OEM) remanufactured unit at $226.59+core(35.00) + taxes
but you can use online coupons/codes to order online with good discount (e.g. 20% off retail price) and pick up locally after 1 hr in selected store.

if you have some time and can wait a few days, you can buy it cheap from rockauto.com
they have it (Denso remanuf) at $160+$34 core (no taxes), shipping is usually like $10 or so and it's quick.
there is also a 5% off discount code (google it).

Originally Posted by mysterl33

hopefully its just the starter so that i can bring it to a mechanic to get it fixed and not have to tow it.

got quoted $400 cash to replace the starter.. parts & labor incl. good deal?

[mysterl33]

I would attempt it myself but kinda scared to haha

[fenixus]

you CAN do it

some links to help:
DIY--Replace Solenoid Contacts and Plunger on 00 Camry V6

Starter Solenoid Contacts Replacement DIY (2000 I4)

Originally Posted by mysterl33

I would attempt it myself but kinda scared to haha

[mysterl33]

I'll have to see if my dad wants me to do it or if he wants to just take it to a shop.. he does know someone at a shop who might do it for cheaper...

[mysterl33]

so I read the threads regarding the starter contact replacement and watched the video for it on youtube.. looks simple enough.. i feel like the hardest part would be getting the starter out and putting it back in haha

is it safe to use a starter repair kit from ebay or should i just get the plunger kit from a dealer?

this is the video i was watching

http://youtu.be/rmc8QO1VXMo

[fenixus]

get the starter repair kit from dealer for best results. it's real easy once you have the starter out.

video is good!