'99 Starting Problems...

[yotatechie04]

I'm actually somewhat stumped on this one...plus I haven't actually had much time to check out the car...

But here's the problem, or at least from what my girlfriend tells me:

When attempting to start the car, you turn the key over, all the lights and everything come on, when you turn the key completely over, it just clicks. It will do this 10-20 times before actually turning over. It's almost as if something on the engine has completely seized keeping the engine from cranking. I know for a fact that nothing is seizing on the engine, so I'm a little confused. I'll be able to tear into it Thursday, so maybe I can get it fixed then. I had a friend tell me that it sounds like the starter's worn or something...

But any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

yota

[sandslady2]

Clean your battery connectors.. If this doesn't work replace them, toyotas are known for these going bad.

[Brian R.]

Probably the starter contacts. That is a common problem. Replace the contacts. Cheap fix.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...OnlineOrdering

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=166530

[yotatechie04]

I just replaced the battery and the terminals about a month prior to the problem. I know that's not the case. I agree with Brian though, I do believe that it's the starter contacts...I'll have to rip it out and rip it apart come Thursday and see how worn out they are. Thanks for the advice guys...if anyone has any other ideas or anything, post it...thanks again.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome

[yotatechie04]

Those were some really good links you posted Brian. Thanks again. On the site where you can purchase the contacts, do you have any idea how much shipping would be? I think I'm going to go ahead and get them, rather than paying $50.00 at Advance for a repair kit. Thanks a bunch...you've been a great help, and not only to me.

[calvic]

Be aware that replacing the contacts won't always solve your problem of the clicking starter. I've been down this road alot lately. I've repaced contacts, starters wires etc. My starter works fine when temps are semi normal, but when it gets to be in the 90-100 degrees outside and I run the a/c after I shut the engine off I almost never get starter action (only clicking). I have ordered a relay kit that takes the switching off the starter solenoid away from the ign. sw and sends it to a relay then put a full 12 volts to the starter solenoid. This kit has solved the General Motors hot starter problems. I let you know how it works. This hot starter ploblem is really P.O me.

JJ

[yotatechie04]

calvic, I've heard of the problem you're discribing in older model Camrys, but I've never heard of this occuring in the newer models.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome.

Shipping is cheap. I don't know how much.

You can also buy the contacts from Toyota.

[Brian R.]

calvic - To be sure, no cure works all the time, but if you're smart, you try the cheapest and most likely ones first. It doesn't get much cheaper than solenoid contacts and this is a common problem.

It is obvious that contacts are not your problem. When contacts are bad, they are most likely to act up when the engine is cold, not hot like your case.

Actually, you can test the contacts. If the contacts are bad, there is a good chance you can get the starter working immediately by rapping on the solenoid with a small hammer or wrench.

The starter circuit already includes a relay that does what you propose. I suggest you test the existing starter relay for function. The relay has four contacts. The two opposing pairs form circuits within the relay. One pair should have continuity and the other shouldn't. Once you apply battery voltage across the contacts with continuity, the other pair should then gain continuity. In your case, since it acts up when hot test it while you are blowing a hot hair dryer on the relay. A bad relay is likely to be your problem.

[yotatechie04]

Well, I just want to thank everyone once again...I ordered the contacts from the website you recommended Brian. They're supposed to be here on Monday. Thanks!

[Brian R.]

You're welcome. Hope it works.

[yotatechie04]

I'll post back as soon as they come in the mail and I get them on...I'll let you know how well it goes.

[Brian R.]

At least removing the starter is fairly easy.

[yotatechie04]

It's really easy. It's actually about a 10 minute job for me.