Hello everyone, I have a '97 Camry V4 2.2 (love the gas mileage, :) ). Last week when starting it, I would turn the key, get one click, and then nothing (no turning of the motor). Now this doesn't happen every time I go to start it, it may be in the morning or could be in the afternoon, both, or neither. I may have to try two or three times to start it, turn key, click, nothing, turn key, click, nothing, turn key, no click, engine turns over and starts. The battery was bought 4 or 5 months ago. I removed the starter and took it to Autozone to be tested, Starter passed test, three times (test included checking solenoid). Now I do not know how well this little test works and wether it could find a small problem with the starter. I also checked and sanded the battery terminals and cable connections to make sure I had a good connection. So what am I missing? I'm still thinking it's the starter, do any of you have and idea? Thanks!!!
2007-04-02 05:42:58 · 6 answers · asked by Proto 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it "clicks", the solenoid is activating. However, the contacts inside are not always making contact.
It's only going to get worse. Replace it while you can still start it.
2007-04-02 05:54:47 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Went through the same thing on my Cutlass. Same behavior, and I kept replacing starters because I figured each one was dying within a few weeks of being installed. Did this a few times and then I realized it was the battery.
What was happening is that I really did have a starter issue. But the first new starter was OK. It started VERY easily at first, but as it broke in it needed a little more power to turn over. That was the problem, the battery was very borderline and couldn't turn the starter over. I'd put a fresh starter in, again making it very easy on the battery, and it would work. For a couple weeks, and then start acting up. Did this like 3 times. :) Glad I can smile about it now!!!
So the first thing is, even though your battery is not old, make sure it is in top shape! Get it tested if at all possible.
If the battery is definitely good, then yes its the starter.
Good luck!
2007-04-02 05:54:23 · answer #2 · answered by Brian D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've cleaned the battery terminals and have removed the starter to be tested then the connection at the starter is probably good. Have you checked where the negative cable is connected to the engine block? Could also be bad battery cables as well.
2007-04-02 05:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by bwc0356 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was a toyota tech for the last few years before opening my custom and resto shop,and after seeing a thousand camrys with the same problem you can be sure you need a starter ,the contacts in the soilniod are cooked,and if you snap the key a couple times when it acts up it will rotate the contact washer and find a good spot ,till there arent any more ,but these spots are caused by the starter motor having to much resistance init so it will eventualy stop working so before you get stuck replace it ,thanks hope i helped
2007-04-02 06:08:32 · answer #4 · answered by MPCRONLINE.COM SHAYNE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you go and replace the $200 starter that did test good look at the ignition switch. it is a '97 and it could need replacing. this isn't the key switch but the electrical switch.
2007-04-02 05:49:29 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
check the battery terminals.are they clean and tight?
2007-04-02 09:18:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋