Another thread about a Camry (2000, 4-cyl.) starter

[HaveCamry,WillTravel]

Before posting I've checked a bunch of other threads and have found some info applying to my situation, but not everything I'd like to know. So, I'm starting the latest in what is obviously a grand tradition of "My car has trouble starting and makes a clicking sound, is it the starter?" threads.

Here's my situation, regarding which I'd welcome your thoughts:
1) About two weeks ago I noticed that sometimes I'd have to turn the key 2-3 times for the car to start, and just got a clicking sound. At first I thought I was being limp-wristed, but when I realized that wasn't the case I called my local Toyota service dept. A guy on the phone said he thought it might be the starter, and I should monitor.
2) A week later the number was up to 5-6 turns *sometimes*, but other times the car would start right away. Called service again, and was told it was almost certainly the starter, but that it sounded like there was no need to rush the car in for repairs, unless it took a dozen or so clicks.
3) The next day it took a dozen or so clicks to start.
4) Now that I'm back from an overseas trip I've tried to reserve a time to have it replaced, for just under $500. But I'm told that for a 2000 Camry they'd have to order the part in advance since it's too old to stock, and they recommend a $50 diagnostic first. (Presumably, if they had the part the diagnosis wouldn't cost much extra, if anything. So I'm being charged because they don't stock a basic part for a long-lived vehicle.)

Having read those threads it's clear to me that there other things it *could* be, e.g. a loose wire from the battery, but that a problem with the starter itself is still the best candidate. It's also clear that there are things that people with car know-how can do that are far cheaper than replacing the starter. Sadly, I'm not a car guy, and cannot do this myself. (Don't have the tools, let alone the necessary confidence.) Based on what you've read, I'm wondering whether the odds are so great that it's the starter that I should skip the diagnosis and jump straight to replacement, or if I should diagnose first. And if I diagnose and learn it's the starter, can/should I go elsewhere to have cheaper repairs done to the starter instead of having the Toyota people sell me a new one for $320 and charge me $150 to install it?

Thank you.

[hill8570]

Pretty classic bad solenoid contacts (solenoid is built into the starter). I personally wouldn't waste time diagnosing more than that.

Frankly, even if you don't have the skills / desire / confidence to pull the starter and replace the contacts (and it's quite easy on the 5S-FE), I'd at least find a shop willing to do it for you -- it's maybe 30 minutes of time to change out the contacts, which is a lot less than the cost of a starter.

[carsrus]

Sounds like the typical starter problem. Next time your turn the key and it clicks, take the key out, open the hood and give the starter a good whack with a hammer. If it starts next turn its definately it.

Reman starter is about 150$ at any autoparts place an a independent mechanic should take no more than 100$ to replace starter. Its the easiest starter to replace on just about any vehicle. 30 min for a good mechanic.

The stealership is crazy as usual.

[capnblinski]

Welcome to the forum!

These most helpful folks here have saved me upwards of $700 since coming here after getting my 2000 LE 5sfe in April 2010.

I bought a 'Starter Repair Kit' from the local Toyota dealership and the contacts were fairly cheap, but the plunger is a bit more expensive -all totaled was about $90 - but after the repair you end up with the Denso original starter in near brand-new condition. Definitely get the plunger - mine was worn where the copper ring on it is -Toyota doesn't supply the spring that is with the plunger - just use the old one - and there is a little steel ball that goes in first before installing the plunger. All in all a fairly easy job, saving you hundreds - and the satisfaction of knowing it was done properly!

Most very likely you have the same problem I did and if you do decide to give it a try (go ahead it's easy, educational, and a whole pile of fun). Here is the perfect thread for the starter repair, done on a 2000 4-cylinder:


http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322544

[HaveCamry,WillTravel]

Thank you -- I appreciate all your advice. This just confirms my suspicion that spending money on the diagnosis would be a waste, and I'm also glad to know that at an independent place this would be a 30-min. job. Much as I'd like to try my hand at this -- those photos certainly would be a tremendous help -- for various reasons I think I'm better off letting a professional handle this particular repair.

As I mentioned before, I realize this problem has been covered, but I couldn't find a discussion of the number of "clicks" before the car finally starts increasing. Seems like that alone is reason to think it's not the battery connection.

I'd welcome any further thoughts, but if there are none I'll stick with what seems to be the plan: buying the parts myself and then bringing them to someone other than the "stealership" (love that term).