Our Community is 662,000 Strong. Join Us.

Please Register or Login to access: DriverSide DriverSide Home | Service & Repair | Car Prices | Parts & Accessories | Reviews & Advice | My Garage

2000 Camry cold start problem


Vilaman
01-13-2011, 08:32 PM
I have a 2000 V6 Camry that hasn't started a few times since it got cold. I can turn the headlights on and off and run electrical stuff. When I turn the key it clicks but won't turn over. A jump from AAA gts it going right away.

I changed the battery terminal connectors, since they were coroded, but had the same problem after a few days.

Any ideas on what it could be?

danielsatur
01-13-2011, 09:26 PM
Did any corrosion work it self into the battery cables?
The battery cables might need cleaning, or replacement.

Vilaman
01-14-2011, 01:30 AM
the battery cables are fine.

somick
01-14-2011, 11:20 AM
When it does not start get a helper and tap on the starter with a hammer. If that works you need to change contacts in the starter motor. There are a lot of threads on this topic here.

Good luck,

Sam

Mike Gerber
01-14-2011, 12:50 PM
"When I turn the key it clicks but won't turn over"

One click or multiple rapid clicks?

Mike

Vilaman
01-14-2011, 03:40 PM
multiple rapid clicks

danielsatur
01-14-2011, 03:58 PM
It might just be a bad starter solenoid.

Ralph123
01-14-2011, 10:26 PM
Multiple clicks usually indicate a weak battery and the fact the it starts when you get a jump indicates it's not your starter. How old is your battery? There should be a date sticker on the battery. If it's more than 4 years old it could be starting to go. The best thing to do is take to Autozone or Advance Auto and have the battery load tested for free. Here's some more info. http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/us20310.htm

danielsatur
01-14-2011, 10:37 PM
How old was this battery?
If corrosion on battery terminals, it's probably time for a new battery.
I would get both the battery and Alternator load tested.

Mike Gerber
01-15-2011, 12:27 PM
"multiple rapid clicks"

^ What Ralph123 and danielsatur stated above. Multiple rapid clicks usually indicates a weak battery or corrosion at the battery cables/battery posts connection or within the battery cables themselves. Also remember, a weak battery could be due to a failing alternator.

What I would do first is remove the battery cables and clean up both the battery posts and the terminal ends on the battery cables. Most auto parts stores sell a battery terminal cleaning tool with both internal and external cleaning ends for just a few dollars. I have even seen them at some dollar stores. Walmart might even sell them. When you do this, be sure to remove the negative cable first and reinstall it last.

Then I would take the car to Autozone or Advance Auto and have them test the battery and charging system (alternator) right on the car. They will do this for free. These 2 things should pinpoint your problem.

Mike

Add your comment to this topic!