'96 avalon starting issue

[Brown Bear]

Hello All,

My wife told me that her Avalon has a "problem starting." Hmm, okay, I go to check it out.
I put the key in and the engine cranked slowly at first for a few seconds so I backed the key off. I started the car again and it cranked normally.

The first thing I did was to check the battery terminals. So I took them off the posts and wire brushed them, cleaned and retightened the posts. I then had the battery tested and it showed good (only 14 months old) with 13 volts and all the cranking amps, still.

I thought that took care of it, but she said the car was having problems starting still a few weeks later. Hmm, I checked it out again. This time I put the key in and nothing happened. I tried again and it cranked okay.

My question is how to determine whether the solenoid is going bad or if it might be the ignition itself. Can the starter be taken off and bench tested?

Any help will be greatly appreciated,
Jack

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

Yes, it can be. But if you go that far, my suggestiong is to put a set of contacts in. That is what usually wears on those starters. OEM part# 28226-64370 and 28226-74070. One positive lead, one negative lead.

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by Brown Bear

Hello All,

My wife told me that her Avalon has a "problem starting." Hmm, okay, I go to check it out.
I put the key in and the engine cranked slowly at first for a few seconds so I backed the key off. I started the car again and it cranked normally.

The first thing I did was to check the battery terminals. So I took them off the posts and wire brushed them, cleaned and retightened the posts. I then had the battery tested and it showed good (only 14 months old) with 13 volts and all the cranking amps, still.

I thought that took care of it, but she said the car was having problems starting still a few weeks later. Hmm, I checked it out again. This time I put the key in and nothing happened. I tried again and it cranked okay.

My question is how to determine whether the solenoid is going bad or if it might be the ignition itself. Can the starter be taken off and bench tested?

Any help will be greatly appreciated,
Jack

Aftermarket contacts are more than adequate and can be had for $15 or so. Pretty easy to install.

PS Good practice to replace the plunger too. Not usually necessary but it is fairly cheap and gives you a good feeling to know you are getting solid contact.

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html