1994 Camry having trouble starting

[tillmon]

My 1994 Camry has had this problem ever since I bought it (used, about 5 months ago, 140,000 miles) and probably before then as well... occasionally it won't start up. I put the key in and turn it to turn the car on, but instead of starting up, nothing happens. The engine doesn't rev up or make any noises at all (no clicks either), just the dashboard lights come on. The radio and air conditioner and everything else works, just the engine won't start. Usually after I try to start it up for about 5-10 minutes, it will eventually work. It seems that it usually won't start if it's been sitting under the sun for a while (it mostly happens in the parking lot after school on hot days), although is has happened under different circumstances.

I start it up in Park (because I know it won't start in Drive), and the little removable security mechanism next to the steering wheel is in tight. I don't really know anything about the mechanics of cars so I don't know what else to look at. I'm hoping that this is something that I can fix, because I don't want to have to spend money on a new part or something. Does anybody know what might be the problem? Thanks.

[somick]

Originally Posted by tillmon

I start it up in Park (because I know it won't start in Drive),

As far as I know that what you ALLWAYS suppose to do. Cars start only in Park or in Neutral.
As to the starting issues. To me it sounds like a classic starter problem. Make sure you get power to the starter when you turn the key.

Sam

[tillmon]

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

As far as I know that what you ALLWAYS suppose to do. Cars start only in Park or in Neutral.
As to the starting issues. To me it sounds like a classic starter problem. Make sure you get power to the starter when you turn the key.

Sam

How do I check if there is power going to the starter? Most of the time the car starts right up no problem, but every once in a while it just won't go until I try it for a couple minutes. Are starters an expensive part to replace?

[Mike Gerber]

It does sound like the classic starter solenoid contact problem. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up. You may be able to get away with just replacing the contacts. Personally, If there are any miles on the car and I have gone through the trouble of removing the starter, I have the original starter professionally rebuilt by an automotive electrical shop. Cost is usually around $125. I prefer doing it that way because I think you get a better rebuild than just replacing the contacts or buying an off the shelf rebuilt unit at an auto parts store.

Mike

[tillmon]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

It does sound like the classic starter solenoid contact problem. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up. You may be able to get away with just replacing the contacts. Personally, If there are any miles on the car and I have gone through the trouble of removing the starter, I have the original starter professionally rebuilt by an automotive electrical shop. Cost is usually around $125. I prefer doing it that way because I think you get a better rebuild than just replacing the contacts or buying an off the shelf rebuilt unit at an auto parts store.

Mike

thank you sir

Actually, one more question for you... if I buy a starter rebuild kit (it looks like ebay has a few... but are there better places to get them?), do I need to get a kit specifically for a '94 Camry? Or can it be ANY starter repair kit? Thanks.

[Mike Gerber]

I'm not familiar with these rebuild kits. I generally have my starter professionally rebuilt, after I remove them. I would assume you have to order one that is specific to your year. You could call af ew local parts stores in your area and ask if they sell these kits. If they do sell them and if it is necessary, they will ask you for the year make and model of your car.

I know if you opt to do just the solenoid contacts that you can get them at the Toyota dealer. I think the contacts are around $20, but I'm not certain of that. If you do go with just the contacts, take them with you to the dealer to make sure you get the correct ones.

I think much of what goes in to your decision of which way to go, depends upon how long you plan of keeping the car. I planned on keeping my car for a while so I opted for the complete professional rebuild.

Mike

[tillmon]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

I'm not familiar with these rebuild kits. I generally have my starter professionally rebuilt, after I remove them. I would assume you have to order one that is specific to your year. You could call af ew local parts stores in your area and ask if they sell these kits. If they do sell them and if it is necessary, they will ask you for the year make and model of your car.

I know if you opt to do just the solenoid contacts that you can get them at the Toyota dealer. I think the contacts are around $20, but I'm not certain of that. If you do go with just the contacts, take them with you to the dealer to make sure you get the correct ones.

I think much of what goes in to your decision of which way to go, depends upon how long you plan of keeping the car. I planned on keeping my car for a while so I opted for the complete professional rebuild.

Mike

Thanks, I don't plan on having the car for a VERY long time, maybe a couple more years. I'll go buy some local auto parts stores, thanks again for the help.

[RIP]

Very well could be the solinoid contacts but, as Semi... said, you need to see if the starter is getting power before you spend a lot of time tracking down contacts or starters. How? Disconnect the small wire going to the starter. Connect either a multimeter set to DC volts or a test light to the disconnected wire. Connect the ground lead of the meter or light to a clean ground point (engine block or anything attached to it). Turn the key to start. If you get 12 volts DC or the test light lights up, go ahead and find solinoid contacts or a new starter as Mike Gerber said. If you're getting no voltage or the test light does not light up, you may have a bad starter relay, neutral/park switch, ignition switch or a loose or corroded connection on any of them. Reconnect the small wire to the starter.

The starter relay is in the #2 relay block just outboard of the battery. Should be the forward outboard relay. Turn the key to start and listen or feel for it to click. If it clicks, it's good. Means power is making it from the ignition switch to the relay. You'll need to repair the wire from the relay to the starter. If no click, tap on it or pull it out and put it back in. Turn the key again. Still no click? Replace it with a new relay or look for an identical relay near it and swap relays. Turn the key again. Still no click? On to the neutral start switch.

Try starting the car by wiggling the shifter with it in park then in neutral. If it starts the neutral start switch is either out of adjustment or needs to be replaced. The switch is somewhere on the transmission but I'm not sure where so that's as far as I can go. To check the ignition switch you'll have to find the neutral start switch first. I'm sure somebody can tell where it is if you post back here.

It would sure make things easier if you found someone familiar with cars or at least knows how to use a meter or test light. If you do all this and still can't get voltage to the starter, you have a broken wire somewhere in the system. This is how the power is routed: battery > ignition switch > neutral start switch > starter relay > starter.

[DFBonnett]

Interesting site regarding starter contact repair if that's what ultimately is required....
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/