Key won't turn over motor...sometimes.

[jhaskill]

Hey Folks, just found this site, so thanks for the mass amount of info here. Loking forward to reading more.

Anyway, when I try to start my Corolla, sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. The key turns just fine. Sometimes if I just keep trying turning the key off and on, it will suddenly start right up. This could be after turning the key 5-15 times. At first I thought I had a weak battery, it is a year old but had it tested anyway. It is fine. Thought maybe I wasn't getting enough current, so replaced the terminals on the battery and made sure all the connections were tight.

She doesn't click or make any noise when I turn the key. CEL isn't on. The radio and dash light up fine and everything electrical inside the car act totally normal, it just doesn't turn over sometimes until I rock the key on and off for a while.

So what do you think. Ignition switch, starter, etc??

I appreciate any help in getting this resolved.

Regards to all.

Jeff

96 Corolla DX, auto, 250K miles.

[rice]

Originally Posted by jhaskill

it just doesn't turn over sometimes until I rock the key on and off for a while.

check your fuel pump, also try replacing your fuel filter

[punter]

Starter brushes.
Not hard to do yourself. Or if you want the easy way just find a replacement starter.

[punter]

Originally Posted by rice

check your fuel pump, also try replacing your fuel filter

How would a fuel problem stop the engine from turning over??

Chances are your fuel system is fine.
Even if its not, it won't be causing this problem.

[96_9c1]

My car did the same thing.

Ended up being a bad connection(s) on the starter.

I tightened them down and havent had a problem in 6 months

They may also be corroded

[rice]

Originally Posted by punter

How would a fuel problem stop the engine from turning over??

Chances are your fuel system is fine.
Even if its not, it won't be causing this problem.

becuz he said he would leave it on OFF and ON back and forth for a while, then it would start right up. iirc, doing so will help engage the fuel pump and help start the car with more fuel upon start-up if the fuel pump is faulty.

my mom's caravan did the same thing, it did the same thing jhaskill described, so we left it on the "ON" position for a while, then it started right up

[punter]

But he is saying it doesn't turn over.

[retiredat44]

the starter solenoid sounds like it has gone bad. You need a new starter (has the soleniod built in). Most auto parts stores offer new/rebuilt with lifetime warranties. Maybe yours is still under warranty?

[rice]

mmkay, my bad, punter, you're still my hero

[newbie212]

Definitely your starter... This happened to me in my older camry... I had the starter rebuilt and wala. Everything was fine... Try taking the starter out yourself and take the starter to an independent starter/alternator repair shop... I got my whole starter rebuilt for $45... Compared to advanced auto parts price of $85 for a rebuilt one... (I know a guy who works at advanced and he told me that they only replace the part that is bad)... If it's a good repair shop they will most likely ask you if you want the whole thing rebuilt or just the part... I personally wanted the whole thing rebuilt so I wouldnt be stranded somewhere and for $45.. You cant beat that..

[punter]

Originally Posted by rice

mmkay, my bad, punter, you're still my hero

Errrrrrrrrrrrr, thanks, I think

Re-reading, I agree more with the solenoid fault now.
For some reason the first time I read it as saying it does click.

Definatly a starter problem anyway.

[jhaskill]

I figured it was the starter, thanks to all that chimed in. I will double-check the connections at the starter first, then put in a rebuilt if all seems tight. Lifetime warranty is cool, plus driving my F250 Powerstroke 120 miles a day is just a tad different when I go to fill up at the pump. $$$



I gotta get her fixed quickly.

Thanks Folks. Will chime in again and let you know.

[Bitter]

dont forget, if its too loose rebuild as well. i mean if theres axial play in the starter shaft.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

I would put my money on the starter solenoid too, either rebuild it yourself or take it to an auto electric place heres a link to the procedure: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t27312.html

Don't waste your money on a rebuilt, its more than needed, fixing the soleniod is like a $20-40 repair..... BTW if you do buy a rebuilt starter stay away from Bosch and Champion they are total crap

[89molavi]

You guys are missing some points. This could be the neutral safety switch on an automatic. Could also be a bad ignition switch. These should be tested before jumping on a new starter.