Does not start, battery seems ok

Hello All!
I'm having a problem with my '98 Corolla starting. When I turn the key to start, absolutely nothing happens as far as hearing the ignition trying to start. This doesn't happen often, but since the past year, it has happened about 5 times. My battery seems to be ok, at least the battery warning light has not come on. After I wait no more than 10 minutes, it will start without a problem. This problem has not depended on the weather. It just happens sporadically. Has anyone had this problem or could suggest what is wrong?

Thanks,
Michelle

sounds like your starter. my 93 prism (corolla knockoff) is doing this right now (my cousin is a mechanic and checked mine out). i'm assuming your radio, lights, horn will still function even though your car wont start. so if thats the case, your battery should still be good. you can still get the car battery tested at most auto stores, might be charged though, but autozone does it for free. they test starters too (in and out of the car), but it is pointless if the part is still in the car, because if the car starts, it will likely test out that it is functioning normally.

I talked w/a Toyota mechanic and he agreed that it was the starter, but said since it's only doing it once in awhile, and not dependent on weather, it's prolly due to the wires becoming seperated from it's contacts and may need to just be resoldered. I hope that's the case, b/c it sounds like an inexpensive solution! g'luck w/your car. Thanks for replying!
-shellylay-

glad to hear your car problem isnt too serious.

check your battery termanals for oxidation ton them if there is just clean it off. the same thing happend to my 95 corolla.

Similar symptoms are seen for my 96 corolla. It used to work fine till a couple of weeks. Now, the first few attempts to start the car, I hear "click" instead of standard starting ignition noise. But, to add to this, today, I noticed that the car started with 1st attempt and I could hear a strange noise, probably, the radiator going out loud. I turned off the ignition, still I could feel the radiator going out so loud that I felt the car itself was running. It happend a couple of times before starting normally.

Anyone, any ideas? I am inclined towards the starter problem too.

Thanks a ton.

My 1985 Corolla is doing something very similar. I was preparing to replace the fuel pump, but perhaps I should re-check the Starter first.

sounds like the battery conections to the battery are corodded or loose, check them, good luck.

Probably the same issue as mine. I think what you heard is not the radiator. Its the starter not disengaging once it starts the car.Atleast what I was told.

My 96 Corolla DX has this problem for the past 2 months. It starts fine most of the time. But about 1/3 rd of hte times, it takes a second try or rarely 3rd turn of the ignition key to start the car.

2 times, the starter did not disengage and I heard a noise coming in addition to the regular engine noise. If I turned the car off, it wouldn't turn off. But usually it fixes itself in a minute or so.(probably the starter disengaged itself. not stuck anymore).

Don't have the time to take it into the shop. Betting its the starter. Also, My battery terminals were kind of corroded. I did clean them up a little bit.

Similar symptoms are seen for my 96 corolla. It used to work fine till a couple of weeks. Now, the first few attempts to start the car, I hear "click" instead of standard starting ignition noise. But, to add to this, today, I noticed that the car started with 1st attempt and I could hear a strange noise, probably, the radiator going out loud. I turned off the ignition, still I could feel the radiator going out so loud that I felt the car itself was running. It happend a couple of times before starting normally.

Anyone, any ideas? I am inclined towards the starter problem too.

Thanks a ton.

I have a 99 Corolla and if it sits all night, it will not start in the morning. Everything works the radio, lights, etc. When I turn the key I get a 'DING' click sound. If I turn the key enough times it will eventually turn over. All during the day it will then start up with minimal to know trouble. A mechanic said he would just change out the starter for a new one and that he would charge $150.00. Does that sound right?

Thanks for any advice.

Probably you all have the same problem - sticking solenoid contacts. It is a common problem with Toyota starters. It is an easy cheap fix. You only have to replace the solenoid contacts:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3196086&postcount=4

It is definitely worth checking your battery terminal cables for clean and tight connections at both ends before you worry about the solenoid.

Thanks for the reply, My mother in law is dating a guy with his own shop and she got him to replace the whole starter so...

got lucky this time.

:banghead: We've got almost the exact same problem with our 95 Corolla. However, it seems to be more of a problem when the weather is very cold. When the weather is super cold, it won't start. We have replaced the battery. When it is about 30-35 or so, the car will start up after about 4-10 tries. If it's 40 or above, the car starts up anywhere from 2-3 tries.

We have bought a new starter but need to have someone put it in. I'd prefer not to spend the money if it isn't the starter (obviously). Could it be possible wires being loose or solenoid contacts dirty? Any suggestions before we bring it in would be greatly appreciated! :confused: :biggrin:

It is probably the solenoid contacts, but it could be other things. The contacts are an easy, cheap fix. Try them first.