1989 toyota camry wont start on 1'st,2'nd or 3'rd attempt when cold

[Chilly_In_Edmonton]

I have a 1989 Totota camry awd and when it gets below -15 it does not like to start, if i plug in the block heater it will start up to about -22 but if it gets colder than that it will not turn over, i hear the gas pump and the relay clicks.

It has always started, but usually on the 3rd or 4th attempt. in a 20 min time span. i'll try it and sit on the ignition for 20 seconds for 3 or 4 times than i'll go away for 4 or 5 min and try again. On the 3rd or 4th attempt it starts like nothing was wrong(cept it chuggs because i may have flooded it holding down the ignition).

A few times i had it jumped from a large truck that was running and that seemed to help it start but last time i tried to jump it from a car which was not running and it did nothing. (mabey i need a bigger/better battery, the one i have is just a cheep canadain tire one)

I have replaced the contacts in the starter cellinoid, my alternator was faulty so i changed that recently, battery is good only a year old (took to a shop and had it tested to make sure it was still good).

Does anyone have any ideas? Perhaps a faulty starter?

(-31 in edmonton today, it started but after 22 min and 4 attempts)

Chilly_In_Edmonton

[Joe W]

Some of the remote starter kits will start the engine ane let it run for a pre-set time when it gets to a certain temp or it senses a weak battery.

[Tercel GTS]

I'd say the starter is fried.

[GO LEAFS GO]

If its turning over fine and just wont start fire up ,it could be the cold start injector if it has one . My Cressida has a hard time starting on cold mornings apparently thats its problem

[Toyrolla]

Originally Posted by GO LEAFS GO

If its turning over fine and just wont start fire up ,it could be the cold start injector if it has one . My Cressida has a hard time starting on cold mornings apparently thats its problem

Cold start injector is probably clogged. It's a common problem with the Gen2 models. A little clean up with some startup stray should do the trick. Also, make sure the contacts where the injector plugs into are clean. On the I4 models (3SFE), it's right there below where it says "EFI".

Good Luck...