My 98 camry has full electrical functions (all lights, control panel, etc. are all working) but my car wont start. After some research I believe my problem is the Ignition Switch.
Question 1. - Is that correct diagnosis

Question 2. - if it is ignition switch, is that something that can be repaired by a half/way decent mechanical mind or should I have my car towed in and repaired. I prefer to try and fix myself it is not to confusing?

Thanks in advance for your time and any tips are appreciated!

You need to give more information as to what is happening when you turn the key. Do you hear any sounds?

Mike

Thanks Mike,
yes, when i turn the key it sounds like it wheaeaeaeaeaeae? with an underlying Knocking sound as if something is spinning but not catching?
best that i can describe.
Thanks again!

It's pretty hard to tell from your description but my best guess would be it sounds like the bendix drive in the starter is not engaging the flywheel. When you turn the key and the starter is energized, a small gear-like device, called the Bendix drive or starter dirve, moves out and contacts the gear teeth on the flywheel, causing the flywheel to turn the engine until the engine begins to run on it's own. It doesn't sound like your ignition switch is the problem. Just to be certain it is not something simple, I would remove and clean the battery terminals and the battery posts with a wire brush, as a place to start. If this doesn't help, then check to see if the bolts holding the starter to the engine are tight. Then, if that doesn't help, and you feel capable of doing things yourself, remove the starter and take it to a parts store in your area that tests starter for free. Just take the negative battery post off before removing the starter.

Remember, this is just a guess. It's awfully hard to understand a noise someone is describing in writing.

Good luck.

Mike

Thanks Mike,
I appreciate the time you took to post. thanks

You're welcome.

Mike