starter problems

[sweet79]

Hey guys, does the 86 camry have a starter relay or ignition relay that gets stuck when its cold. My car won't crank when its cold. I can hook it up directly to the battery and start the car that way, but that sucks on cold mornings. How and where is the wiring from the key to the starter. It is an auto so the neutral start switch could be a problem but it doesn't crank in neutral either. Thanks guys

[toyomoho]

If the engine turns over when the battery is jumped the issue is not with the neutral switch or starter relays. It might be the starter solenoid bolted to the starter.

Have you checked the batteries condition, a cold battery will produce less power. Also check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion.

If the car starts when jumped the issue is the battery, starter solenoid or wiring from the battery to starter including ground wires.

[sweet79]

I guess I wasn't clear about the battery part, I can attach a small wire from the positive post of the battery directly to the starter solonoid and it cranks fine. When I turn the key to the start position nothing. The battery is fine. It seems like there is a short somewhere between the ignition switch and the starter.

[toyomoho]

A few things to check:

If stick shift there would be a switch on the clutch pedal that needs to be closed to allow power to flow the the small wire. If automatic there is a ParK/Neutral switch that needs to be closed.

Power flows through the Ign switch, then the trans safety switch above. The wiring diagram the shows a starter relay for the manual trans setup.

Typically the trans safety switch is the problem.

Suggest you go to the AutoZone website where you can find wiring diagrams. Look under vehicle repair guides then year, make, model, etc.