Starting sytem

[KVY107]

I have a 1990 Toyota Camry with 107,500 miles on it. It runs fine, however there is one little glitch. It has begun to get cold overnight, but not super cold, overnight lows in the upper 30s to low 40s. However, there are times (not everyday) when I start the car in the morning, I turn the ignition key and it is completely dead, no sound, nothing. After doing this two or three times, then stepping on the gas it starts right up and there are no start problems the remainder of the day. The battery is only 2 1/2 years old, radio, lights all other electrical equipment work fine. My ex-mechanic said it was the cutoff switch from an old alarm, the alarm was removed and the wiring taken care of, somebody else mentioned it could be the key (yes there are some winners lurking about) Well, that didn't seem to be it, any ideas?

[Mike Gerber]

Since you are saying "no sound" I would think the problem would be in the battery itself (perhaps a dead cell), the terminal connections at the battery (look for corrosion there), or in the ignition switch itself. The no sound statement is important. Are you sure there is not 1 click? Listen carefully the next time it doesn't start. If there is 1 click, the problem would be in the starter's solenoid contacts. If that is the case, do a search for "starter solenoid contacts".

Mike

[RIP]

Simple system that can cause major headaches. Here's the voltage path: battery/ign switch/neutral start switch/starter relay/starter. Check the FAQs at the top of the forum for more info.

If the battery is weak in the slightest you won't start. Suggest you have it charged and load tested, then go from there.