HELP!! Car Won't Start 2003 Camry LE

[MrMcMonkey]

I have a 2003 Camry LE 4 Cyl, it is currently in a downtown parking ramp and won't start...

Drove it down to the ramp, everything was fine. Came out three hours later and the car won't start. The battery is fine - keyless entry, power locks, all work. But when I turn the key, nothing happens. I also noticed when I popped the hood, the MAIN relay wouldn't stop clicking, even when the key was out of the car. Anyone have any idea what is happening? What does the MAIN relay control?

Also, the car is stuck in the ramp, can't really do a whole lot of work on it in there.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Aceventura9586]

Something tripped a fuse for the fuel pump maybe since it's sitting on a hill and maybe thinks there's no gas so won't start?

[gdanaher]

No, not the fuel pump. He said the starter would not engage.

When you turn the key, did the idiot lights dim out or do anything at all? On what basis did you deduce that the battery was OK? Just because the door locks work you should not assume the battery has enough umph to turn the engine. I'd get a hot battery and start by jumping it.

[MrMcMonkey]

The battery is 12.6V cold. Also, when I turn the key, the lights dim and the dash lights turn on, meaning power is getting where it needs to be.

I also tried jumping it, but that did not work.

[techtable]

Originally Posted by MrMcMonkey

The battery is 12.6V cold. Also, when I turn the key, the lights dim and the dash lights turn on, meaning power is getting where it needs to be.

I also tried jumping it, but that did not work.

The lights dimmed mean your battery dead, whatever car you tried to jumped it, didn't get enough juice to start your car, get a fresh battery or borrow one if you believe your battery is fine, a 12.6volt does not mean anything, if it didn't have enough CCA. It's sound like a battery problem, since it an 03, have you ever replace the battery in the past six years ? if you have not, it's time. They last you max 3-5yrs. Get the highest CCA you can afford to buy.

[gdanaher]

+1

You need to have a helper. Check the voltage at the battery. 12.6 is fine for a sitting battery. Now, engage the starter and see what the voltage drops to. It should and will drop. The issue is--how low. 11 volts when you engage the starter is fine and if that is where it hits and still not a grunt, then perhaps the starter is at fault. But you said the lights dimmed out when you tried to start it and that means the voltage got down in the range of 8-9 volts for that to happen, so I still vote for a bad battery.

[AlmightyCamry777]

The clicking, from the starter is a clue - the clicking doesnt want to stop you said, so, your starter solenoid may be sticking/stuck? you jumped it and know the battery is good so it probably aint battery power. I'd now suspect the starter - bang on the solenoid with something long, thin, heavy and metallic like a long socket extension. Its the copper shaped part like a small V8 juice can, although most of it is hidden from view, its right there, on top of the starter and sort of angled towards the back a little.
Give it several good love taps with your long metal object then try the key, if it now starts, you probably need a starter because the solenoid is bad.

And if for some reason even THAT isnt it, heres a long shot but possible (although unlikely) - worn out ignition switch.

[Lucino]

McMonkey, so did you figure out what the problem was?