[jasonrockfordil]

When I turn the key, nothing but a click, try again it starts. Today the starter kept trying to turn the engine over when key was off and OUT. Most likely suspect, bad starter? I've read something about contacts. What does anyone think?

 

[BMR]

Hello, and welcome to TN! I moved your thread to the gen3/gen4 Camry forum.

Yeah, good possibility it's the solenoid contacts. You can just replace those instead of the whole starter. Lots cheaper and you get to keep the OEM starter. Here's a couple DIY threads with pics for the job...

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...olenoid-contacts-replacement-diy-2000-i4.html

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...ce-solenoid-contacts-plunger-00-camry-v6.html

 

[Kingdom934]

wait...

The starter was turning on (engaging) or attempting to with the key out of the ignition???

 

[mcgowaw]

if it's starting on it's own, then you most likely gots a problem with the ignition switch.
tony

 

[dc_98_cam]

Take a look at this link ... sounds like a solenoid problem. No need to buy the complete starter.:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...51pSEFG1IDIb0WIPQ&sig2=oW5LZizphNV-u6HcXSHsmg
... posts 3 and 4 from bottom.

 

[mcgowaw]

dc, per your link,
"Starter still runs after releasing the key. When it does that step on the brakes and shift out of park (to R). If starter stops then the problem is related to the ignition key or switch"

if the ignition switch is faulty, why would it become un-faulty just because you shift out of park? i don't see the connection (pardon the pun).
#confused.
tony

 

[Mergatroyd]

If the solenoid sticks, it will continue to energize the starter even if the ignition is turned off. I think that the problem is entirely within the starter assembly.

 

[dc_98_cam]

... simply trying to point out that the 'running on' problem must be caused by the sticking solenoid disk. I see that BMR has already mentioned the same thing. Putting the car in drive with the brakes on must be referring to a manual transmission, which would cause the flywheel to stop and jar the starter throw-out gear, maybe. ... Don't think that the ignition switch is the problem here.

 

[mcgowaw]

ok 98, thanks. that makes sense.
to the OP, start with the simple stuff first - always.
pull the starter, put copper contacts and a new plunger in it and if that don't fix the problem, then move onto the ignition switch testing, etc.
tony

 

[41omaha73]

Here's my problem: On cold mornings, or after the car has been idle for some hours, the engine fails to turn over at start-up. It makes a clicking sound, followed by a - and this is the only way I can think of describing it - a rushing or hissing sound. After a few attempts the engine momentarily kicks in then dies; try a few more times and, voila! - it turns over. The battery is fine - virtually brand new. Plugs are new as of this pas summer. Somehow the ambient temperature seems important: once the engine is warmed up the problem disappears. It's most evident and irksome in the mornings or late evenings after the engine has had time to cool down completely. 2000 Camry LE

 

[Strega315]

MIL codes?

 

[93celicaconv]

Let's ensure we understand terms the same. 41omaha73, you used the term "turn over" several times. Most of us understand the term "turn over" meaning the starter has engaged the engine flywheel and is now rotating the engine in an attempt to start the engine. "Turn over" doesn't mean the engine has or will start, it simply means the starter is working properly and has engaged the engine flywheel to allow the engine to rotate in an attempt to start the engine. Is that the interpretation you have when you posted post #10 above?