My 3rd Gen Camry will not start. HELP

[Tarzan]

Hey guys,

I have a 1994 Camry 4 cylinder automatic. 139k miles. Today it won't start at all. It just turns over and over again. I don't hear any clicking. The thing is yesterday it started and drove fine and now suddenly the engine won't start up.

I think the battery is ok because mine has the opening where you can see the color and also all the internal assecories come on. However, I did notice that the clock is wrong.

The timing belt was replaced at 56k and I think its over due. Also the spark plugs are 2 or 3 years old.

I'm been reading that the problem may be that the timing belt broke. Is there anyway that I can check if that is the real problem, I mean by DYI?

Anyone please offer comments and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[Zandro]

1. See if all the main fuses are in working order, especially the EFI fuse
2. Check if you are geting spark on your plugs, you probably know how to do that.
3. The distributor cap is also a thing you want to check, there may be water or condesation
in it so take it off the cap and have a look.
4. The timing belt cover is divided in 2 parts, you only need to take off the upper part
to inspect if the timing belt has snapped, a few bolts and it comes off easy.

[Mike Gerber]

To check on the timing belt all you need to do is remove the oil cap. Now have someone turn the key to try to start the engine while you look down inside the engine, where the oil cap normally goes. If you can see the cams moving (rotating), the timing belt is not broken. If you don't see any movement, then it is broken.

If you do the other things Zandro has suggested and don't get any spark, after you check the distributor cap and rotor, check the coil inside the distributor. You will need a DVM (digital volt/ohmeter) for this and the specs from any manual. Don't forget you can download the generation 3 manual at the top of this forum. I believe it actually is a 1994 Toyota Camry factory service manual.

With the mileage on the car since the last timing belt change, I would check that out first. It will take you 1 minute, if you have a second person to help you.

Mike

[Tarzan]

Today I checked the spark by doing the following.

Unpluged the spark cable and inserted a phillips head screw driver into the boot and placed it on the engine block while I cranked it. There was no spark that I could see from all 4 cables.

Then I installed 4 new autolite platinum plugs, and the thing still don't start.

I also took off the oil cap while cranking and the camber is not turning, therefore is it the timing belt?

I smell gas everytime I try to crank it so I don't think it is the fuel pump.

Therefore I think it is the distributor, or timing belt.

Any other ideas? Thanks for your help thus far.

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by Tarzan

I also took off the oil cap while cranking and the camber is not turning, therefore is it the timing belt?

You sure the cams aren't turning?


Remove the distributor cap, theres just a few small bolts around the outside of the cap. Crank the motor and see if the rotor spins.

If the rotor doesn't spin, the timing belt is busted.

[Tarzan]

How much would it be to replace the belt? I'm hearing near $1000!!!!!!

Thanks

[rusty9]

no spark, no cam movement..sound like timing belt. wierd that it would just break after sitting overnight... anyway to double check, either do as said above and check the belt by removing the covers, or remove the distributor cap and see if the rotor is spinning as you crank it.

[88 LE]

^^ $1000? No way.

Its around $200 at a Toyota dealership.



If you want to DIY, read this:

http://toyotanation.com/forum/t109966.html


^ Its for a 97 4 cyl., but its the same motor (5S-FE).

[Tercel GTS]

If you can't find a reasonable shop and don't want to try it yourself holler at me. Have tools, will travel! 5SFE does not bend valves before anybody asks.

[Mike Gerber]

Like 88le said, it's around $200 when on special at most dealerships. If not on special, it shouldn't be more than $300. That would be plus the cost of a tow, so first make sure it is the timing belt. Do the second test that someone suggested of removing the distributor cap and cranking the engine. Some people have trouble seeing down in the oil cap area to see if the cams are moving. A moving or nonmoving rotor is sometimes easier to see.

You can try the link below to see if any dealerships in your area are listed and are having a special on timing belt replacement. In my area, most of the dealers with meet other dealers coupon specials in the same area:

http://www.toyotacoupons.com/UI/Deal...lerSearch.aspx

Mike

[skewe]

timing belt are about 199$ at dealer

cheaper outside

[Tarzan]

Update:

Today I checked the fuses and they seem fine. I removed the distributor cap and saw that the rotor was turning, therefore its not the timing belt. I also replaced the distributor cap and rotor just to see if it would fix it. Still no start.

So what could be the issue? I'm guessing coil or starter? There is no way I can check that because I don't have the tools.

Thanks for all your suggestions guys. Please keep helping me.

[rusty9]

how did you check the fuses? with a circuit tester or by looking at them? also, did you check them all? evven the ones behind the coin box?

[Tarzan]

I checked by just looking. There are some big fuses that look like cubes. They are not transparent, how do I check those? I did not check the fuses behind the coin box since those are only for interior dash lights, ect. I don't have a circuit tester.

But thanks for asking.

[project92camry]

U Can Get A Test Light Check Them While They Are Still In, Or Just Pull Out The Fuses That Can Be Affecting Your Problem And Check If They Are Burnt Out.