Car wont start - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

denizen · 10-15-2005, 10:13 AM

So yesterday my sister calls me saying her car (1998 Camry LE) wont start so im liek ok what am i gonna do i drive over there and take a look. I try to start the car and all it does is make this clicking sound, doesnt even turn over. Anyone know what the problem is?

This is the second major problem that we've had with her car, the first was that it would stall when braking for corner (that seems to have stopped though). The camry is more problematic than my moms '98 Dodge Caravan SE!

karazy · 10-15-2005, 10:24 AM

dead battery

denizen · 10-15-2005, 10:52 AM

It cant be completely dead if the lights and everything inside works, but myabe jsut not enought juice??

P.S. i tried jumping it but that didnt work and i didnt think it would...

Mike Gerber · 10-15-2005, 12:07 PM

If it's 1 click, it's a problem with the starter. If it's a series of rapid clicks, then it's a problem with the battery. If it's the battery, it could be the battery itself, corrosion at the battery posts/terminals, a loose alternator belt or a bad alternator. If it starts with a jump, it's the battery or one of the problems I mentioned associated with a weak battery.

Mike

jungleson · 10-18-2005, 02:00 PM

I would try starting the car with one of your spark plugs remove and see if yo're getting any sparks. If you're not getting any sparks then pull the distrubutor cap and check the ignitor coil resistance. If you do get a spark then check fuel pump. You can go open loop by jumpering the ECM and turn the ignition key to "on". At that point you should hear the pump come on. It should pump fuel to the fuel rail through the fuel regulator and back to the tank. If not then you have a bad fuel pump. Hope this helps.