1998 Camry not starting

Tiny
GLYNNMISKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
I went out to start my car this morning and it acted like the battery was dead. You know, the click, click sound. Tried to jump start it and in wouldn't even turn over. Put the trickle charger on it and the battery registered that it was fully charged already. Is it the starter? I have never had even a hint that there was a problem. Never had any kind of trouble with the car. Now this.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 AT 11:37 AM

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Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What do you meant by Tried to jump start it and in wouldn't even turn over. Do you mean it cranks over but will not start. Or nothing happens like headlite turn On or key at start position. I need to know this before we continue.

Could be one of these:

Sulfated battery/Bad connections/Ignition switch/Inhibitor switch misalign or defective /Starter relay and Starter.

Or a short in the electrical system draining the battery.

Try banging on the starter while attempting to start it.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
GLYNNMISKIN
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I mean I jump started the engine and it just made the same sound only louder. It did not turn over. I checked the battery and it registered full charge. The lights dim when I try to start it.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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If the lights are dimming then it is probably a bad starter.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
GLYNNMISKIN
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  • 3 POSTS
Removed the starter and had it tested. It was fine. Any other ideas?
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 AT 12:05 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Just because it spins in front of you it doesn't mean that the overrunning clutch working properly.

Do a starter draw test: A good starter will normally draw 60 to 150 amps with no load on it, and up to 250 amps under load (while cranking the engine). The no-load amp draw depends on the design of the starter, so always refer to the starter motor amp specifications when bench testing a starter.

ASK YOURSELF THE RIGHT QUESTIONS:

What happens when you turn the key and try to start the engine?

If the answer is, "Nothing, " you should check the battery, battery terminals, battery cables and ignition circuit to make sure voltage is reaching the starter. If the battery is low or has corroded terminals or loose cable connections, the starter may not crank because of low voltage. If the solenoid that energizes the starter motor is faulty or has loose electrical connections, it will prevent the starter from cranking, too. A faulty ignition switch, park/neutral safety switch on the transmission linkage, clutch safety switch on the clutch pedal or a wiring problem are other faults that can also prevent a starter from cranking.

Keep it coming by the time we're done you'll know everything about the start system.

Good Luck!
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 AT 1:52 AM

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