1997 camry starting problem

[nobitanobi]

Hi, I got a 97 camry with 117,xxx miles.
Current problem: when I turn the key to the last position (starting), i get about 5 quick/"loud" clicks per second. so it's 5 clicks 1 sec, 10 clics 2 sec etc. I have done the search already and most likely it's my starter contact from what i have read ? just want to get a few last minute solid advices before i tear the starter tommorrow morning, thanks alot.

[leasaunce]

its probably your fuel pump or spark plugs, misfiring. thats what happned to my old 86 corolla.

[nobitanobi]

not sure about the fuel pump, spark plugs are new (2 weeks old, good wires) I hit the starter with a hammer as instructed and it started without problem. If its just the contact, i can replace it quick tommorrow morning. I don't want to waste all day tomm trying to figure it out, sigh.

[randomman84]

sounds like th starter contacts. i have a 97 and had the same problem. Got the contacts replaced and it worked fine after.

[nobitanobi]

quick question, would adding a little more engine oil contributed to my problem in any way? I put in about 4.8-9 ish qt oil today (mind was on something else atm)

[nobitanobi]

also, based on what Haynes said, i need to remove the cruise control actuator before i remove the starter? what is that and where is it?

[modifierLE]

ok, when cars do that clicking sound it sometimes means that the battery is dead, thats what my car did when the battery died.

[88 LE]

^ Yup.

Machine gun like clicking sound from starter = dead battery.

Bad/worn starter contacts = single click.

[nobitanobi]

Thanks guys, just got my problem fixed. It was the battery just like what modifierLE and 88LE said. Also thanks to the others who replied. I have a good alt & starter btw.