92 4-cyl Is the starter failing?

[geschaef]

Twice in the last 4 months, my Camry would not start after it sat in a parking lot for 30 - 40 minutes. Lights and accessories all on. No click when turning key. Nothing. Come back the next morning to what I thought was a tow-to-the-shop project and off it fires.

Is the starter at fault? Is the starter relay a possible culprit?

[Brian R.]

It is most likely the starter solenoid contacts which can be replaced easily and cheaply. Click or no click.

The starter relay is much more reliable and almost never the cause of an intermittent starting problem.

Double check your high-current connections on the starter, ground and battery.

[Ronco01]

Could be a few things, the 2 you mention and also the transmission position switch. If when you turned the key and nothing happened (no noises) I'd suspect the trans. position switch. If it happens again, try "jiggling" the transmission shift. If you're agile you can hold the key to the start position and jiggle the shifter with the other. If, while doing this, it's definitely the position switch. I very rarely have this problem and have learned to live with it.
If when you turned the key, the solenoind kicked in and you heard a high pitchedgrinding sound then your starter is going.
Good luck

[geschaef]

OK thanks for the advice. I will post the outcome.

[Mike Gerber]

You can also varify the starter solenoid contacts problem. The next time it fails to start, have someone hold the key in the start position while you go under the hood and tap the starter's solenoid with a wrench or small hammer. Tap it, but don't try to break it. If the starter now turns, you have varified the worn starter solenoid contacts problem.

Mike

[geschaef]

Mike,

I tried the solenoid-whack method but to no avail. I've removed the starter, discovered worn contacts, and found their kits today at Toyota for $8 and $14 (a good deal cheaper on various web sites but the car is needed immediately). Installing tonight.

Greg

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by geschaef

Mike,

I tried the solenoid-whack method but to no avail. I've removed the starter, discovered worn contacts, and found their kits today at Toyota for $8 and $14 (a good deal cheaper on various web sites but the car is needed immediately). Installing tonight.

Greg

Let us know how it works out.

Mike

[geschaef]

The starter fired off as if new. No hesitation. Parts guy at Toyota said the contacts are the only part they ever replace on these very reliable Nippodenso starters.

I followed the Factory Service Manual procedure at the top of this forum and a few other links provided in the FAQ for starter remove-and-replace.

Thanks...Greg

[geschaef]

Round 2. The Camry is now returning to an intermittent starting pattern but a little different. Here's the pattern: turn key, no noise, turn key again, one or two clicks but no start, subsequent attempts, get one faint click or none, let it sit while help is called for, then of course it starts.

Starter right after the new contacts were installed fired the engine so quickly it surprised me. Is the solenoid going bad? Charging system?

Thanks for any guidance.

[Brian R.]

Did you check the high current connections (battery, block ground, starter connection clean and tight?)

[geschaef]

As I replaced starter, I cleaned battery-side and starter-side connections. Is that what you're referring to?

[Brian R.]

Yes, as well as the ground connection on the block/chassis. Clean as well as tight?