1998 Camry: Trouble Starting in Hot/humid weather.

[crazn]

My 1998 Toyota Camry XLE is having trouble starting in hot and humid weather. I am no car expert, so bear with me on my explanations. This problem started last summer. The mechanic could not determine the problem but now I know it has to do with the heat. I had problem in June/July/August of last year but after that it started fine...all fall, winter, and spring. It wasn't until the end of last month (June) that it started doing this again.

Basically what happens is this:


1) Start the car and it turns over but will immediately stall/shut off.
2) If I try starting right after this, the car will NOT turn over and it will just make the clicking/screeching noise. Eventually it kind of turns over and with a little gas it will start.


I've gotten good at being able to turn the key in the ignition and give it a little gas, perhaps even a couple pedal pushes, and it will stay on and not stall out.


Another thing is if it starts on its' own and I put it in drive or reverse, it will stall out. However, if I give it a little gas and let it run for 15 seconds before putting it in drive it will be ok.


I would also like to note that after my car starts and i'm driving, there are zero problems. Performs the same as it always has. I can park, switch gears, no problem. It's just the startup.


So something to do with humidity and what I assume the fuel system. By the advice of this forum last year I used some Techron on fillups. I did that a few weeks ago and I think it helped, I didn't put any in last week on fill up so there definitely isn't any in my car now. I would just like a more permanent fix.


Another garage in my area is going to take a look at it but I'm worried I'll get the same results: I'll take it there and my car won't do what it does all the time and it'll start fine. Then I'll be out another $60+ with still no answers. So if you guys could help me out I would so appreciative. If there is something i could try or my more knowledgeable Grandpa or Uncles could do to save me a large bill at the garage I would be so thankful.


If I wasn't clear enough let me know. Thanks!

[wc1972]

My 99 camry also had problem starting, either on hot humid day or rainy days. I changed the spark plugs and the plug wires, problem solved. I think it is mostly due to the aging wires.
The plugs and wires could be changed easily DIY.

[slofizz]

i have the same problem. my 2002 sienna has 100K+ miles on it. And i haven't changed the plugs or wires. I will try doing this first since i need it anyway. thanks!

[rebuy]

Very cold temps and Very Hot Temps can kill your battery or at least drain it to the point of under performance. While this might mean that you get lights and radio when you turn on the key, it might not have enough juice to Power Up the energy systems in the car and thus lead to hard starting. I always find it a good idea to check the water level in the battery esp. in summer. The water in batteries does evaporate.

You might also want to try something like gas dry to clean up any condensation inside your gas tank and remove any water from your gas.




Just a thought.

[fenixus]

sounds like both battery and starter contacts need checking. autozone and advance auto both should be able to test them for free.

[crazn]

Thanks for the replies!

Reading through I was reminded that I got a new battery which was tested at Autozone last summer...if that changes anything.

I've also been told spark plugs. I'll start looking into that.

Thanks again.

[fenixus]

Duralast batteries are good, one year means nothing to them, it's probably as good as new, so this one is ruled out.

however, you should still remove terminals and wires from it and wire brush them thoroughly until there is absolutely no rust or oxidation on metal surfaces, they should shine.

starter contacts worn off are very common on these cars with age, so this one is a possibility still.

also, check the tension on alternator (and AC at same time) belt, if it feels loose then the alternator might not be able to fully charge the battery.

consider replacing both drive belts (the other one would be for Power Steering, honestly a bitch to replace) with new ones like Dayco, Bando, Mitsuboshi, Good year and Gates (all are considered OEM brands as dealers can use them during service) if they are older than 5 years or 60k miles.

if you want you can try new spark plugs, but please get only either Denso or NGK. and here either go with single electrode NGK Iridium-IX (lasts max 60k miles) or OEM plugs and that would be Denso Double Platinum or NGK Laser Platinum, both having double electrodes and able to last like 120k miles (that's like "lifetime" in dealer's nomenclature LOL!)

if you decide doing a minor tune up on car then you could also consider those:
a) spark plug wires (rarely need replacing on V6 models and factory ones can last VERY long)

b) new fuel filter, again go OEM on this one, it will come with mounting brackets making it very easy to replace, there's just one flare nut bolt to loosen and a plastic clip that needs detaching gently

c) new air filter (anything cheap paper will do fine)

[Brit101]

Originally Posted by wc1972

My 99 camry also had problem starting, either on hot humid day or rainy days. I changed the spark plugs and the plug wires, problem solved. I think it is mostly due to the aging wires.
The plugs and wires could be changed easily DIY.

X 2

At night get the car running, pop the hood and mist the ignition wires with water from a spray bottle. If you see electrical currents jumping you will know your ignition wires are tired and need replacement.

Cost is nothing but a little time, and it is easy peasy.