Can you start a 1991 toyota camry if starter is bad?

Question

I just purchased and had a new battery installed a week ago. After driving for a while today and then parking the car to shop, I tried to start the car, but it would not start. I got a jump and I was able to drive home. I turned it off and tried to start it up again, but no such luck. Is it my starter?

Answer 1

When the starter does not crank the engine the first thing that needs to be tested is the battery. Even though it is a new battery, they can be defective sometimes. Make sure the battery cable connections are clean and not corroded. Toyota starters have a main set of contacts inside that wear out over time and when they do the car will just click when you try to start it. It may take several trys but usually it will start. This will get progressively worse until the starter will just not crank the engine no matter how many times you try it. A rebuilt starter will solve the problem. Also, when a Toyota alternator fails and does NOT charge the battery, the battery light stays on all the time when the engine is running. I think you have a typical Toyota worn starter contact issue.

Answer 2

The above answers are correct, it's not the starter. If you discover that the battery is OK and that means it takes a charge and holds it at least overnight, you may want to make sure all the contacts between the battery and the cables are clean and that there is no corrosion growing under the plastic insulation that coats the cables. Make a solution of water and baking soda and use an old tooth brush to scrub the battery top and all the connectors. Then wash down the bubbly mess with fresh water. To test the alternator yourself, start the car in a darkened area or at night. Turn on the headlights and then rev the engine. If the lights brighten as you rev, chances are that the alternator is still working. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well obviously its not the battery. Brand new battery, rule out parts and have them checked. All that is left are the battery cables and the starter. Cables, possible failure because they are probably the old factory cables. Last of all, the starter will and could be bad. The cheapest way to check this is to tap on the starter with a hammer while someone else is trying to start the car from the inside. If the car will start during this test, you have a bad starter. You also may have a bad starter relay. Also have you charging system checked, you may just have a bad alternator. Have all those things checked and you will find your problem.

Answer 4

Your alternator is probably bad. You can test it by starting your car ( jumping it if you have to) and put a voltage meter on the battery termanals. If it shows 12 volts or less (while running) the alternator is bad. If it shows 13-14 or more volts (when running) then the battery is bad.

Answer 5

If it needed a jump, then it wasn't the starter. Something is not charging the new battery. So I would have your altenator tested. Try that....

Answer 6

Hi it sounds like you need to have the charging system checked if that's OK it might be a starter sometime if you keep trying to start it it will start just might be intermittent.

Answer 7

The first thing to do is THOROUGHLY clean the battery terminals and clamps and reattach them. Get one of those wire brushes made specially for that; they're only three or four dollars. You'd be surprised how often this is the only problem.

Answer 8

do you have a security system from toyota on it?anyway i would look into the park neutral safety switch as well as connections and even troubleshoot the start connection before i bought anything.