Hey everyone. I have a 1992 Camry SE V6 that I don't drive often, and I've come across a mystery starting problem. Step back in time two weeks ago...
I hopped into the car to move her out of the garage to make room for other work. It wouldn't start. I heard the starter relay going RAT-AT-AT-AT-AT-AT. I pulled out the trusty black 'n' green Toyota manual and started digging in. I pulled out the starter relay and checked continuity both with and without 12V, and it looked fine. I pulled out the starter motor checked it, including response to 12V (for solenoid actuation and holding, and starter motor rotation). No problem, all worked well. I decided it had to be something bigger and I figured I'd put it all back together again and come back when I had more time.
Once I re-assembled, I decided to try her again. WAH-LAH she started without hesitation. !?!?
I figured that maybe the relay or starter was sticking, and when I put 12V to it straight across the battery that it popped something free.
Step forward in time to today. Once again I went to move the car to free the garage for other work. No start, and RAT-AT-AT-AT at the relay again.
This time I grabbed the starter relay from my 93 Camry V6, which has no starting issues. I installed it and no change. So it probably isn't the relay.
I went to Advance Auto and bought a new starter motor figuring SURELY this was the problem. I installed the motor and tried again.
NO CHANGE!! No change, you say? NO, fine friends... NO CHANGE.
Once again, I figured... something is deeper that I'll have to dig into later, so I decided to take out the new starter motor (to return it), and I put it all back where I started from... same starter, same relay, same everything.
But then... the curiosity struck me...
I hopped in, turned the key.
She started right up.
The only missing piece I can figure is a wire or cable going bad, maybe, and as I move the cables something is losing continuity. My wife also suggested the ignition switch, and who knows, maybe that's it.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
