87 Celica GTS Starting Problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dadkins · 07-07-2008, 02:43 PM

This car has difficulty starting when hot. Turning the key makes a clicking sound, but it won't turn over. I replaced the starter last fall and the car started fine after that. However, since the weather has gotten hot (high 90's to low 100's on average now) the car will not start after it has been driven. It's as if the starter solenoid overheats.

The starter on this thing is in a tight space tucked up under the exhaust manifold next to the block. I'm sure there's a lot of heat building up there that doesn't readily dissipate. Car will start fine after it has had a few hours to cool off.

What else other than the starter could this be? Ignition control module? Neutral safety switch on the clutch pedal? Anything else? It's my daughter's car and I'm concerned about her driving it now. She would not be able to restart it if she stalls in traffic, which is a real safety concern.

Rick89GTS · 07-07-2008, 03:44 PM

Common problem for us 4th Gen'ers. Come visit us at this site for the solution and lots of other good information:

http://www.st162.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=236

dadkins · 07-07-2008, 04:36 PM

Great resource! Sounds exactly like our problem. I really appreciate the help.

Rick89GTS · 07-07-2008, 09:12 PM

You're welcome

dadkins · 07-07-2008, 11:38 PM

Rick, just wanted to stop by to thank you again for pointing me in the right direction. I bought the relay, wire and connectors at Autozone tonight and installed everything. Like magic, it starts every time now! We'll know for sure tomorrow when it gets hot, but I think the problem is solved.

I was glad you turned me on to the Celica forum as well. I do all my own work on our old fleet of Toyotas, so it's always good to find other sources of technical information.

Rick89GTS · 07-08-2008, 01:38 PM

You had the right hunch but I'm glad I could help. It's karma.
Hope we see you as a regular member on the other site