'99 camry 4cl fails to start on first attempt

[tc1999]

I've a '99 camry with 82000 miles on it. It's been running with no issues. Last Monday evening it failed to start even after repeated attempts so I had to get it jump started. I had to jump start it every time until I took it to the dealer the next day. The technician said that the battery was dead probably because the start kit is not making proper connections. He replaced the battery and advised to change the starter kit. It costs about $400. I wanted to get a second opinion before spending that kind of money.

I contacted several auto centers and the cost to just check the problem is some where between $55 to $99.

After the battery was replaced the car is sometimes starting immeadiately and sometimes taking three to four attempts start. When I turn the key it jcranks but doesn't start.

One of the techincians at Firestone thinks that the camry starter kits are good and it may not be the starter issue. But I wouldn't know until somebody takes a look at it.

I'll really appreciate if anybody can share their expertise or experience with this issue.

Thanks a bunch in advance

[somick]

Take your car to any automotive store and test your starter. It should be free.

Sam

[tc1999]

Hi Sam,

Thanks for the quick reply. I did take it to Tire Kingdom, Firestone and another local automotive store. Nobody is ready to test it for free. The charge to check it is between $55 to $99

Can you advise any store that can do this for free?

Thanks

[somick]

According to your profile you live in Florida. You should have Pepboys there. Find Pepboys and go there.
Firestone is not an automotive store. They are an automotive gargage. They sell their automotive skills and therefore charge you for this.

I am sure you have Pepboys there.

Or go to www.autozone.com and look for the store locator link.

Or go to www.kragen.com and look for the store locator link.


Good luck,

Sam

[Mike Gerber]

When I turn the key it jcranks but doesn't start.

If it cranks, then it is not your starter. Look elsewhere for the problem. You must have a technician begin with the basics. When it doesn't start, he/she will have to determine whether it is getting fuel and spark and work from there.

Mike