Occasional No Start

[WannaBButch]

I have a 1990 4 Cyl Camry and at first when I'd wake up in the morning and start it, it would start fine until I drove to the gas station down the street and then tried to restart it, it wouldn't work. The lights, radio, a/c, etc. all work but the engine won't even try to turn over. It started doing this more frequently now and it does it whether it's hot, cold, morning, or night. Does anyone have a clue? I've replaced the starter, alternator, battery, and spark plugs. Any help would be greatly appreciated seeing as this is my only means of transportation. Thanks in advance.

[marc780]

Try replacing the ignition switch. I bet it's worn out.

You can check for this, try turning over the starter by shorting the contacts - or say, by hooking up a remote starter switch. And using that as your ignition switch for a little while. If the starter now turns over as normal, the ignition switch could be the problem.

[Doctor J]

If the car has an automatic transmission, the Neutral start switch may be worn or out of adjustment.

[mazdaverx7]

also, check your battery connections and starter ground and power wire.

[SammyJ]

Hey i have exact same problem. Some times my car starts in one shot and some time it doesn't. some time i start it, turn off, and after 10 min doesn't start (even though i don't drive in that 10 min). The car mostly won't start if i wait for few second leaveing my key on on status (where the battery and accessories are on, but not giving a cell). If I turn my key in all at once from lock position to cell possition, the car will start. where could be the problem the starter, solenoid, wiring contect or the ignition switch....If its ignition switch how much would it cost....

thank you

[Doctor J]

A good check is to attach a test light to the starter solenoid connector(switch terminal, small wire). If when key is in start, the light is on but starter is not clicking or rotating, check the wire connector and starter brushes (open circuit here will not allow to ground the pull-in coil circuit), if light is off, move it point by point to the ign.switch. The switch could be opened and cleaned, if you are careful.