Starting problem with my 99 Camry

[sdpais]

I have 99 V4 Camry that suddenly had trouble starting yesterday.

What is really bizarre is that, when I turned the ignition, the lights dimmed and there were a series of clicking noises.

I tried this a couple of times. The batteries seemd to have power as the lights were ok. I checked the battery which also appeared to be fine.

When the folks with the towtruck came, the car actually started. He told me he jiggled the cables around the battery as well as the alternator.

I am worried this will happen again and I plan to take it in.

Does anyone have any clues as to what the problem is?

Is there some history stored on the computer in the camry whereby there might be a log of this problem? I can take it in only on wednesday as Toyota is closed for Christmas.

I also had the timing belt replaced a month ago and since then I have been hearing a humming noise when ther car is idling.

At the time of replacing the timing belt they recommended that I do the following:
Fuel Injector Flush
Replace Water Pump, Front camshaft & crankshaft oil seal, oil pump seal and o-ring and both drive belts
For a total of $850

They claimed that the humming noise is because the exhaust pipe and flanges are rusted and to fix the problem I need to replace the centre pipe and muffler for $543

It seems to me that they are taking me to the cleaners! Are they?

[somick]

I think the tow truck driver told you what to do: make sure you have a good contact on the battery terminals.

Sam

[Mike Gerber]

This type of information is not stored in the computer. The computer (ECU) stores mostly information about things that would effect your car's emissions system. Your tow truck driver is probably correct. The clicking noises usually stem from a loose, dirty or corroded battery connection. Remove the battery terminals and clean the inside of the terminals and the posts on the battery itself. They need to be shinny clean. You can buy a tool to do this at any auto parts store for a couple of dollars. If none is available you can use sand paper. Then reinstall and retighten everything and you should be OK. Just remember to remove the negative battery cable first and reinstall it last.

Mike