My car doesn't start after a long drive?

Question

I have a 90 Corolla automatic - after going for a long drive, I cant get the car to start. When i turn the key, there is a click then no sound whatsoever. Got advice that this was a battery problem, so got a new one...but the problem is still there. If i wait for 3 hours or so, the car will start. Any ideas?

good point, wouldnt the engine still turn over if it was a fuel related problem though?

Answer 1

Have you or a mechanic tried checking the ground battery cable at the engine? Sometimes that may be dirty or even loose. The cables at the starter work themselves loose with time also, so check that real good. An old clunker easily does this after too many years. But this is minimal

A very important piece here is the starter. In some instances, when you turn the key, if it goes, 'click' you most probably have a bad starter. And yes, if you just ran the car, the armature is very hot and it needs to cool down enough to turn the engine again, however, it will eventually quit.

But you are definitely right, if the engine fails to turn, it is most likely an electrical problem. Make sure that your cables to the battery are new with brand new terminals as well. Do not use the old terminals.

Let's take it from here for starters.

Please, keep me posted!

Louiesito
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Answer 2

I agree with the "starter" diagnosis: they can not start when hot. The "hammer trick" is a winner!

One question about the "click": if it is a fairly soft click that seems to be under the dash, it could be relays clicking on and off

If it is a fairly loud click that comes from under the hood it is quite possibly the starter solenoid.

In any case, I wouldn't replace just the solenoid on an import: they cost almost as much as the complete rebuilt strter assembly, if you can even find one!

If you really want to make sure it's the starter, get a test light. remove the small wire on the starter solenoid (the small cylinder-shaoed thing on the top of the starter) Connect one end of the light to a good ground and probe the connector with the other end. Have someone try to start it: if the light lights up but the starter does nothing, you KNOW you have a bad starter!

Answer 3

I had an old Celica, I had this problem, It's probably your starter or starter celinoid. Try to climb under the front of the car and smack your starter with a hammer (lightly smack the starter, LIGHTLY) That usually should work. Or It also could be corrosion on the starter connections. Unhook your battery and check the condition of the connection on the starter. If it is nasty wire brush it and put it back together. Because you are getting the "Click" this makes me think it is the problem. Good Luck

Answer 4

I think you should give the car some rest. Older cars need a longer time to "cool off" than newer cars. It would be a good idea to wait 3 hours or so. If it still doesnt start after you've waited for a long time, then it could be a starter problem.

Answer 5

take it to the dealer get it checked, i had something like that happen a while ago, i believe it turned out to be a problem with the spark plugs maybe thats it?

Answer 6

New starter?

Answer 7

check your starter

Answer 8

I'd get a new car.

Answer 9

maybe its your starter