1991 starting problem

[osprey5224]

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.

[Toyrolla]

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...

[aek]

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.

[Toyrolla]

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.

[Erndog1369]

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.