Car will not start

Tiny
CDSHAA
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 TOYOTA COROLLA
Electrical problem 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 200000 miles

Hello, I'm working on a 1990 Toyota Corolla as a favor for a friend - it has well over 200,000 miles on it - they've had a new battery installed, new alternator and now a new starter and still won't start. The starter relay fuse tested good, all fusible links tested good. Ignition key was broken off in ignition so I installed new ignition - only thing I can think of that hasn't been changed is the battery cable from battery + to starter or the clutch switch. Any suggestions?

Engine does not crank; when you turn the key from lock to ACC everything comes on as normal; turning the key all the way to the start position everything just goes dead, no clicking noises, nothing.

Could it be the ignition starter switch?

The connections at the battery have been verified as good; have already replaced the starter relay in fuse box under hood, what is the second relay that could be causing the problem?
I will test

voltage at starter and solenoid as you suggested. (Fyi. Not sure if I told you already but the battery, alternator, ign. Switch and starter are all brand new and I have had them tested to be sure they are good). Where is the clutch safety switch located, under dash, at tranny or engine compartment? Is this the same as a neutral safety switch on an automatic?

Thanks,
CD
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 AT 9:09 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Well I have replaced several ign. Switches on the older Toyota's.

Check the battery connections at the starter, 12V at main battery cable and 12V at solenoid with ign. To start. Of course, raise car put on stands.

There are a couple of relays in the main fuse box that could also be bad.

Could also be clutch safety switch.

Remove switch and jump connections, if car starts then CSS is culprit.

The other relay I mentioned is called "engine main" in fuse box.
And again, could also be the ign. Switch itself.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 AT 5:31 AM
Tiny
CDSHAA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Issue is resolved! Got to thinking about everything that has been replaced and all the good suggestions received to my questions while replacing the ignition switch (which needed replaced anyway as the key was broken off) and I noticed through the dash that there was a small cloth floor mat jammed way up in to the firewall. Essentially the floor mat was blocking the clutch safety switch from fully engaging and completing the circuit giving a false notion that there was something major wrong. All is in good operational Toyota health!
Thanks for your suggestions in helping me trouble shoot this repair.
Thanks,
cd
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Sunday, December 13th, 2009 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Great news. Thanks for using 2carpros.
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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 7:31 AM

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