1996 Toyota Camry V6 XLE starter problems?

Question

I have a 1996 Camry, V6 XLE with about 175k miles on the clock. Recently when I started the car in the morning to go to work, the starter worked but it kept 'clicking' as the engine started. I was concerned so I turned the engine off, but the starter was still 'clicking'. I had to take the key out of the ignition and disconnect the battery for the 'clicking' to stop. I recently bought a replacement starter, but I am wondering the cause of this problem as well as if there are any additional parts I may need to purchase to fix this problem. My boyfriend (an amateur mechanic) keeps telling me that I need to buy a new ignition switch or an igntition lock column. Every mechanic I have talked to over the phone says that I need a new starter, but I am not sure who to believe. Any ideas??

Answer 1

I had the same thing happen to me in a 1998 Suburban after I had bought a new battery for it. I didn't think it was the starter or the solenoid because the clicking sound was coming from the steering column. It turned out to be the ignition lock cylinder, about $60.00 plus labor.

Answer 2

I would say you should not have bought that new starter. The clicking is probably the starter relay. You need to check out the starter circuit and find what is causing the relay circuit to stick. The relay is located on the positive cable of your battery. Follow the cable till you find it. There will be a small wire attached to it. This is the wire that supplies the connection to close the relay and power the starter. Check this wire carefully for any ground. NEVER replace any part till you know the problem. I believe this wire completes the circuit when the starter switch grounds it. Don't rush to change the ignition switch.

Answer 3

sounds like the starter solonoid and they are usually a part of the starter .

Answer 4

starter relay sticking

replace starter relay

cheaper

Good luck