Car will not start immediately, turning the key makes a clicking sound?

Tiny
RSRNFL
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
Car will not start immediately, turning the key makes a clicking sound. Started not working with spare key. Started using the heavier original key, work for a while. Now same thing. Turn the key 10 to 20 times and it starts. Replaced the cylinder lock with new key, did not work. Has to be a electrical issue. Once started it keeps running, so the starter switch is not the problem, right(?)
Thursday, July 18th, 2019 AT 12:04 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi RSRNFL,

Just to confirm, you replaced the ignition switch shown below?

Also, when this happens, you said it clicks. So the starter clicks every time you turn the key until it finally starts?

If you replaced this, then I suspect you do have an electrical issue but at the starter. I think changing keys may have been a coincidence (assume the ignition switch is new).

Next time this happens, try putting jumper cables or a jump box on it just to rule out a voltage issue.

The most likely thing if you battery, ignition switch, and wire connection at the starter are okay, is the starter itself.

Let me know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
RSRNFL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, tried all above. Battery is new, tried to jump it, nothing. I’m old, cannot hear if starter is clicking also. I believe the solenoid switch/contacts need to be replaced. It’s like a 10% spark but when starts, it starts strong & smooth. At a 108,000, should do the contacts/plunger or a need solenoid? Thanks
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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yeah. The starter sounds like it. What happens is the contacts begin to fail one way or the other and not make good enough contact to turn the starter motor. Then when they do, they start the vehicle with no issue.

I would just go ahead and replace the entire starter if it were me. Even though the motor seems to work fine, it also has a 108K miles which of starts on it and if you are going to remove it to put new components on it, then why not just put a new one on.

Just my thought. Please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks
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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM

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