I don't think this address your problem, but on my 97 Corolla, I would turn the key and sometimes it would start, and sometimes it wouldn't (crank over). I knew the starter was going bad, so, removed it (pain in the a$$). Before I took it in for another starter, decided I'd first tear it apart and see what was going on.

I'm thinking all I did was clean up the solenoid brass plunger. Man, I need to take pics when I do stuff like this. Anyway, can't even remember exactly what I did, but there weren't that many parts; simply disassmbed stuff, cleaned it all back up, and put the starter back in.

Has been working fine since.

vmax84

 

.....I'm thinking all I did was clean up the solenoid brass plunger.

yeah, the gf just told me that the lights flashed for a minute or so when the guy at AZ hooked up her new battery and that it also happened when she had the battery replaced years ago :facepalm: I thought that might indicate some type of electrical problem or similar, but now I wonder if it's just the nature of the beast??? I left the battery connected for a while today and the lights do stop flashing after a few minutes but car still won't start. Now I suspect the starter or solenoid. So I may snatch it off tomorrow and see if it can be cleaned/repaired or just replace it. And wouldn't you know it, it just started to snow here with winter storm warnings tonight *sigh* no garage. Hope the starter is as easy to get off as my Maxima - 2 bolts, cables, and about 15 minutes.

It could be an alarm system that's stopping it from starting, considering it worked fine before you disconnected the battery, and because the lights flash. It might just not have a siren, hence why you can't hear any noise.

The solenoid type noise you hear when turning the key is most likely an immobiliser kicking in to prevent the car from starting.

I never even considered that! I'm not sure if it has an alarm or an immobilizer; it is a "very" base model not even power widows/locks. However it does have a "little flashing light" on the dash which I assumed was a fake alarm/security light, but maybe not. Does anyone know if there is a procedure to go through to start the car? I know it depends on the alarm, but was there a stock alarm/immob on a '93? We don't have any idea how to contact the previous owner(s) since she bought the car from a used lot several years ago.

Thanks much to you guys that take the time to read an reply to our posts!!! :chug:

 

It could be an alarm system that's stopping it from starting, considering it worked fine before you disconnected the battery, and because the lights flash. It might just not have a siren, hence why you can't hear any noise.

The solenoid type noise you hear when turning the key is most likely an immobiliser kicking in to prevent the car from starting.

Best case scenario would be that I'm completely wrong and that it turns out to be something simple. Worst case scenario would be that you have to get a mobile auto electrician or car alarm specialist to come out and deactivate the system.

The best thing to do would be to call the old owner and ask if the car has ever had an alarm (although he might not even know if he had never taken the terminals off before). He may have just forgotten to give you the alarm pad or something. Good luck.

 

No garage? Ughhhh.........it generally takes me longer than most folks to get car stuff done, but I pulled mine while I had it jacked up in my pole barn. I remember a few 4 letter words during the process, but then again, that's kinda par for the course for me.

I thought it was hard to get at (the starter) and a pain in the a$$. But the good news is that once you get it out (if that's what you decide to do), tearing everything apart, cleaning (I used a wire brush on the contacts), etc., was pretty easy.

vmax84

 

..... I remember a few 4 letter words during the process, but then again, that's kinda par for the course for me.

You shoulda heard me a couple nights ago when the damn thing wouldn't start. I have a new name for her: The White Bitch (the car, not the gf). Of course, I'm getting blamed because I'm the last one to touch the car.

It was horrible yesterday snowy, cold and very windy so needless to say I didn't work on the car. I am really getting tired of this weather. Little better today, still cooler and windy but sunny. So far, I haven't been able to find an alarm/immob or a disarm switch. The more I think about it (I could be in real trouble now lol), if it does have an alarm, you'd think this would have happened last time she had the battery changed? Hmmm. Anyway, don't know at this point, still looking. And I haven't even been able to find the starter yet lol. But I haven't been under the car yet, though. The gf is convinced it is the battery cable (or convinced herself).

I will let you guys know what I find. Thanks again.

 

Found it! I was tracing down that flasher sound and Kiwi-Corolla was right; I found a mini toggle switch in the kick panel near the fuse panel. It is an on/off switch rather than a button so I'm thinking prolloy a immobilizer switch? and it looks aftermarket. Don't know how I missed it on my previous search. Anyway, flipped the switch and bingo. Don't even want to over analyze and try to figure out how the switch got thrown in the first place. Never did find the starter lol.

Thanks to Kiwi-Corolla and all who helped me :chug: . I have to admit, if I hadn't posted here, I would have snatched the motor out before I would have thought to look for an alarm/immob. Not to mention what a less than honest shop would have charged the old lady if this had happened when she was cleaning out her car one day. I always recommend forums such as this to anyone since I have almost always gotten some good advice. Maybe I can help out here someday. Now I think I'll do a search search on how to replace her antenna....

 

Now I think I'll do a search search on how to replace her antenna....

Regular retracting antenna in the driver's A pillar? 2 screws, one plug, 5 minutes (10 if you go real slow). Do you have the antenna already? what's wrong with hers? PM your address. Shouldn't be more than $10 to get it to your door. I bought it from Crutchfield. Goes up and down smoothly.

 

Great to hear that it's all fixed! I had a funny feeling that it was an alarm system as soon as I read your original post, so I'm glad I was right in the end. All the best in the future with your GF's Corolla, you know where we are if you ever need any more help :thumbsup:.

 

BTW- In case you ever need it, the starter is under the intake manifold bolted to the bellhousing.

Glad you found the silly hidden switch.

-SP

 

Man, good job!!!!! Feels good to get lucky once in a while, huh??!!!

vmax84

 

Man, does it ever! Don't know how many times I have :headbang: over a freakin automobile. This one actually made me laugh.

Thanks again. And thanks speedy25, I knew it was there somewhere but I just couldn't see it or feel it. Glad I couldn't in a way cause I prolly would have yanked it out when I couldn't find the switch the first time.

BTW, gonna get that thing removed ASAP.

UPDATE:
Got the alarm/immob disconnected yesterday. A good friend of mine has a body shop and recommended someone. I'm pretty handy, but never worked on anything like that so decided to pay him to do it. When I asked him what I owed him, he said, "Oh, give me 'bout 20 bucks". Was well worth that for me. Thanks again.