1993 Camry LE Won't Start!!!

[kimchimonster]

Just recently my 1993 refuses to start. I don't hear any ignition, just a slight clicking noise when I attempt to start the car. The battery seems fine since we tried to jump the car and nothing happens. WHat else can i check other than the battery that might be the problem? Thanks

[kimchimonster]

by the way, the engine is does not turn

[philbertgranger]

Do you hear just one click, or a series of clicks?

If you hear just one click, and it's an automatic, the neutral safety switch may be going bad. My 92 Camry used to do this. This switch prevents the car from being started unless it is in Park or Neutral.

To check, move the shifter to Neutral and try to start it. If it still won't start, then it's probably something else.

If you hear a series of clicks, this usually means you're not getting enough juice to the starter. If you tried to jump it and it still won't start, I would take the battery cables off and clean them real good, then check all the connections to the starter, reconnect and try again.

Hopefully, you'll get it going. Good luck.

[djfremen]

This also could be a starter celluniod issue. Locate the starter in engine, take a hammer or screw driver and tap it lightly. This should generate enough static electricity to rejuivinate the celluniod. Then drive directly to someone who can rebuilg your starter... non-dealerships have better deals.

[solideo7]

[quote=philbertgranger]Do you hear just one click, or a series of clicks?

If you hear just one click, and it's an automatic, the neutral safety switch may be going bad. My 92 Camry used to do this. This switch prevents the car from being started unless it is in Park or Neutral.

To check, move the shifter to Neutral and try to start it. If it still won't start, then it's probably something else.
[quote]

I've got a similar problem with my '93 Camry too. It will start and then click once. Usually it will catch and start normally on the 3-4th try. I've tried starting in neutral and it does the same.

Can I look elsewhere to see where the problem may be? I'm thinking I need to get another starter, but I wanna be sure first. Thanks.

[Tercel GTS]

You most likely need new contacts.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...arter+contacts
go there and check that out.

[Parmenides3]

A friend recently pulled my out of a philosophy lecture to ask for help with his car. Happily the problem was simple, or I would not have stood a chance. I did some continuity checks with a multi-meter. If you have a multi-meter that you can use to see if the different wires are conducting electricity, you can find a lot of problems. I located a section of the wiring where the conductive copper inside the insulation was partially burned away. The problem had started with a loose connection at the battery. The arcing had carbonized the wire, but the insulation around the wire looked brand new. And the lead contact at the battery was in bad shape, but the damage from the sparking was not visible for someone standing over the engine looking down on it. Anyway, be thorough in your checks of the wiring. I found this problem with continuity checks and by squeezing the wires until I felt one that felt different. I got lucky, and I got free beer because I fixed it. It's a shot in the dark, but the symptoms were as you describe. A bad wire was the root of the problem, for me. I hope it proves as easy for you.

[solideo7]

Thanks! I'll check all of those out.

[ToyotaTech]

Contacts!!!!

[Parmenides3]

Right---I should have just said contacts and maybe wires. "More matter, less art."

[solideo7]

Anyone know where to get a new set of contacts for a '93 Camry I4? Thanks.

[Parmenides3]

Real mechanics, please correct me if I'm wrong...but I think you just look under the hood at your contacts, and find the ones on the shelf at the store that are shaped the same basic way and hook up the same way (bolts, or whatever) as what you have already. They generally don't cost more than $4, unless you get into gold plated parts. I actually chose slightly different contacts last week when I bought them because I wanted to be able to service them with shallow socket wrenches, and the factory ones required deep sockets. (If I missed your question, sorry to take your time.)

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by solideo7

Anyone know where to get a new set of contacts for a '93 Camry I4? Thanks.

See link in post #6 above

[Parmenides3]

Holy crap! You meant the contacts inside the starter...I thought you meant the battery contacts. Don't mind me...listen to the mechanics.

[solideo7]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

See link in post #6 above

Yes, I did...the guy is NOT responding to my messages. That's why I posted.

Originally Posted by Parmenides3

Holy crap! You meant the contacts inside the starter...I thought you meant the battery contacts. Don't mind me...listen to the mechanics.

Sorry, that's my bad, I should have specified "starter" contacts.