1990 Toyota Corolla starter wouldn't engage

Tiny
JONLEF
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,500 MILES
The starter works fine now, but recently when the temperature dipped to 0 F, it took several turns of the ignition key--when the solenoid was heard to click in with each turn--to get the starter to engage and start the engine. After the first start that morning it was fine.

I cleaned the battery terminals that day thinking that was the problem. But the next morning with the same temperature the same thing happened. This time I kept the solenoid engaged and after a second or two the starter engaged and started the engine. Almost as though ice had formed on the contacts to the starter that the current had to melt before metal to metal contact could be had between the starter and battery cable.

Since then 0F temperatures haven't returned and the car has started without fail.

Thanks for your reply.
Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 9:55 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi jonlef, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

To be on the safe side check and test the starter relay, park/neutral switch, could be the starter overrunning clutch is slipping/worn brushes and grounding problem If it has an anti theft device check the too. Further could very well be the ignition switch. See Start System EWD below


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_s1_28.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_s2_27.jpg

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Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 11:59 PM
Tiny
JONLEF
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for your thorough reply. Is it possible to send an enlargement of the start system EWD. When I enlarged it on my computer, the print was unreadable.
Thanks
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Need your email addy -sometimes it shows better when buffed-up
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
JONLEF
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Jonlef@myactv. Net Thanks.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I've sent it-Good Luck
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 3:06 PM

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