1988 Camry Electrical Problem!
smithc2005
12-29-2003, 04:10 PM
Okay guys/girls. Please help me out here I'm in serious need of fixing this problem.
I have a 1988 Camry LE , automatic with 237,000 miles or so on it. It runs great and everything but we have one serious problem. Every once in a while, it won't start. All you hear is clicking. Lights turn on, radio turns on, heat turns on, so the battery is good. We have replaced the starter and cellanoid already. This is a very inconsistent problem. Fr instance, I just went outside and tried to start it, but last night when I wanted to go somewhere it wouldnt start. We have checked for shorts and have found one problem but it still has not fixed it. we are stumped.
I have a 1988 Camry LE , automatic with 237,000 miles or so on it. It runs great and everything but we have one serious problem. Every once in a while, it won't start. All you hear is clicking. Lights turn on, radio turns on, heat turns on, so the battery is good. We have replaced the starter and cellanoid already. This is a very inconsistent problem. Fr instance, I just went outside and tried to start it, but last night when I wanted to go somewhere it wouldnt start. We have checked for shorts and have found one problem but it still has not fixed it. we are stumped.
rlr001
01-10-2004, 01:24 PM
Could be bad battery or alternator not charging properly, so battery not fully charged? Might have it diagnosed at Wal-mart for a few bucks before doing anything.
calvic
01-12-2004, 11:07 AM
This is a typical problem with early models. I've been down every avenue with this one. Best reason I've heard is wire in harness. Best solution is add a mometary switch on dash to starter. You will have to turn switch on and use toggle to start. Also if someone is in the car have them hold key in start position then you tap on starter..crude but effective. Don't bother replacing starter won't help. Only other alternative is tear harness apart and try to find bad wire.
JJ
JJ
yotatechie04
01-13-2004, 07:52 PM
I've heard about this problem in the older models as well, I've also been told that the usual cause for this problem is the wiring harness.
Chilly_In_Edmonton
01-26-2004, 08:52 AM
Okay guys/girls. Please help me out here I'm in serious need of fixing this problem.
I have a 1988 Camry LE , automatic with 237,000 miles or so on it. It runs great and everything but we have one serious problem. Every once in a while, it won't start. All you hear is clicking. Lights turn on, radio turns on, heat turns on, so the battery is good. We have replaced the starter and cellanoid already. This is a very inconsistent problem. Fr instance, I just went outside and tried to start it, but last night when I wanted to go somewhere it wouldnt start. We have checked for shorts and have found one problem but it still has not fixed it. we are stumped.
I had a similar problem to yours on my 1989 toyota camry with similar miliage and i found that a wire going to the ignition switch was faulty. It sounds like you may not be sending and juice to your cellinoid on your starter. This can be checked by dissambling your dash under your steering collum abd removing the starter switch from the left side. bring a light so u can see the markings on it. one lead should read st and i believe it is black and white(not 100% sure on the color) but if u check the color of the wire going to the starter that may help. CHeck for contunity with a mulitmeter, between those two pionts, that may provide an they answer to why. and if that is the problem check by running a wire from the hot on the starter switch to the starter and turn the key if it starts when it did not before then u need to run a wire from those 2 pionts.
Mabey this will help
I have a 1988 Camry LE , automatic with 237,000 miles or so on it. It runs great and everything but we have one serious problem. Every once in a while, it won't start. All you hear is clicking. Lights turn on, radio turns on, heat turns on, so the battery is good. We have replaced the starter and cellanoid already. This is a very inconsistent problem. Fr instance, I just went outside and tried to start it, but last night when I wanted to go somewhere it wouldnt start. We have checked for shorts and have found one problem but it still has not fixed it. we are stumped.
I had a similar problem to yours on my 1989 toyota camry with similar miliage and i found that a wire going to the ignition switch was faulty. It sounds like you may not be sending and juice to your cellinoid on your starter. This can be checked by dissambling your dash under your steering collum abd removing the starter switch from the left side. bring a light so u can see the markings on it. one lead should read st and i believe it is black and white(not 100% sure on the color) but if u check the color of the wire going to the starter that may help. CHeck for contunity with a mulitmeter, between those two pionts, that may provide an they answer to why. and if that is the problem check by running a wire from the hot on the starter switch to the starter and turn the key if it starts when it did not before then u need to run a wire from those 2 pionts.
Mabey this will help
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026