1991 starting problem

I have a 1991 Toyota Corrola 4-dr. sedan, manual transmission. When I hit the key to start the engine I get sort of a clicking sounding noise. I know that the probable cause is a dead spot on the starter or the selenoid. Before I go any further about 5-6 years ago this same problem occurred and my usual mechanic fixed the problem by replacig a resister wire or some thing in the ignition loop as he said nothing was wrong with the starter. Since then he has retired. I called up the local Toyota dealer (parts) and they had no idea what I was talking about. Before I go and change the starter I figured i'd check out this resister wire. Any suggestions.

Check and clean all your connections around the battery, starter, and alternator. Make sure all connections are secure. If the problem persists, then change the starter. It's not unusual for a 91 car to lose the starter at this point in time.

Good luck...

Having similar problem now with 1987 corolla. I was talking to a mechanic and he said that he would take the starter off and send to have the selonoid only replaced. I had my wife turn the key then I took a stick and tapped the selonoid and it started instantly. Apparently the selonoid wears and starts to stick.

I would clean the contacts and reconnect first. If this doesn't solve the problem, just replace the starter. Takes only a 1/2 hour to do it.

It's the starter, I've done hundreds on Corolla in my 8 years as a Toyota mechanic. We replace the whole starter. You could do just the solenoid, but there are other parts that cold fail too in the near future.