93 Camry Wouldn't Start !?! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Borisw37 · 03-13-2005, 12:10 PM

I have a 1993 camry v6, manual. Drove fine, no problems. I go out to start it and Nothing !
Battery is not dead, all lights work, but when i press in the clutch and turn the key nothing happens. It feels like that safety switch, that does not allow the car to start unless the clutch is all the way in, is not working. Please help...

Boris.

Borisw37 · 03-13-2005, 01:47 PM

Bump, pleaase help. This is really frustrating

. When i turn the key, nothing happens at all. No turning over, not even trying. The lights (radio, clock) dim, like they are supposd to, but that is all...

GaviN · 03-13-2005, 03:54 PM

Do you have an aftermarket alarm ??

This same thing is happening with my 2003 Altima.. Its like Im starting the car but not depressing the clutch. I was told its my alarm, maybe that could be your problem ??

Also, maybe its your starter, try push starting the car, if it comes on, then it may not be your alarm if you have one.

***Tercel GTS*** · 03-13-2005, 03:57 PM

open the door and try the key again, do you hear a 'click'?

Borisw37 · 03-13-2005, 04:48 PM

no, no clicks. The car used to have an alarm system. I think the previous owner removed it. The stickers are still there though. What would activate the alarm?

GaviN · 03-13-2005, 05:03 PM

If the battery ever went dead, and you boosted it. Thats what triggers my mothers alarm off. Same thing with my car, once it get boosted after the battery was stone dead, or the cable was removed, both alarms would start going off.

***Tercel GTS*** · 03-13-2005, 05:06 PM

Here's a quick test to do first, go to the small wire going to the starter and check it for power with a test light while someone holds the key in start position. If the wire has no power it's in the wiring and prolly best to let a shop fix it. If the wire has power when key is in start position, replace the starter.

GaviN · 03-13-2005, 05:10 PM

Try to push start it to get it to a shop tomorrow or something. Are you able to push start it ?

Borisw37 · 03-13-2005, 05:19 PM

I probably would not be able to push start it because it sits at the end of a dead-end road, and there is a decent incline to get out of there. Definately would not be able to push it out of there by myself, or even w/ 1 other person. I guess I'll just call a tow truck tomorrow.

Borisw37 · 03-14-2005, 03:12 PM

I had the car towed to a shop today and the finding are:
The ignition switch in the steering column went bad. At this point i was thinking, thats a good thing, nothing serous. Well the guy says the switch is $240 + another $90 in labor. Does this sound reasonable to you guys?

kkadatia · 06-05-2005, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tercel GTS

Here's a quick test to do first, go to the small wire going to the starter and check it for power with a test light while someone holds the key in start position. If the wire has no power it's in the wiring and prolly best to let a shop fix it. If the wire has power when key is in start position, replace the starter.

I am experiencing the same sort of problem. When I turn the key to the start position all lights appear. When I turn to run, I here a click, but it doesn't turn over. Might this be a starter problem too?

I have `93 Camry with 203K KM's.

I was told it might be the alternator?

Where is this wire? And as I don't have a test light can you suggest something else to test it with.

Thanks,

Mike Gerber · 06-06-2005, 02:38 PM

kkadatia,

You can probably test your starter without a test light. All you need is a second person and a good size wrench or a hammer. Have the person hold the key to the start position while you go under the hood and give the starter a tap with the hammer or wrench. If the starter then engages, the starter has bad internal contacts, a fairly common problem. This is a fairly easy DIY fix. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts". There is a good article on replacing the contacts yourself with some good pictures somewhere on this forum.

Mike

jacqui · 06-06-2005, 09:50 PM

Tonight I stopped at a gas station and when I tried to leave, my car wouldn't start. I think I'm having the same problem - my lights and radio work, but the engine won't turn over. It doesn't make a sound when you turn the key. I had to push start it to get it home.

My friend said it's either the solenoid or the starter. He said I can test the starter by bypassing the solenoid. If it starts, it's the solenoid that's bad. This is also how you hotwire cars, apparently. I don't know how to do this. Is hitting the starter a similar test? If the starter doesn't engage after you tap it, is it safe to assume it's the solenoid? I'm borrowing my friend's car since he is out of town but it doesn't idle (at all) and is a total pain to drive.

Is replacing the starter and the solenoid covered in the Haynes/Chilton/whatever Camry manual? Mechanically I'm an idiot... so hopefully this procedure won't be too awful.

I have a '93 with the 3vz-fe and 183k miles.

500KCamry · 06-07-2005, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacqui

Tonight I stopped at a gas station and when I tried to leave, my car wouldn't start. I think I'm having the same problem - my lights and radio work, but the engine won't turn over. It doesn't make a sound when you turn the key. I had to push start it to get it home.

I have a '93 with the 3vz-fe and 183k miles.

This can also be a battery post corrosion problem. Things that don't draw a lot of current still operate. Remove the battery post connectors and clean them. Doesn't hurt to try this first.

***Knailgun*** · 06-07-2005, 09:06 AM

I think it is corrosion...or a weak contact somewhere