Car starter problem

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I have a 1997 Toyota Corrola (98,000 miles). Here is the problem, I turn the key and hears nothing (motor did not start). I turn the key again and it starts. Sometimes it will start right way, other time it take several turn of the key to start. When it does not start, there is no clicking or starting noise. I thought it was the battery, so I got a new one and the problem still is happening. I'm assuming the starter is bad. I'm not too handy with cars, so I would appreciate some idea for trouble shooting this problem. Can a started be tested to see if it's bad?

 

[tommays]

Re: Car starter problem

you at least need a DVM <br /><br />you can connect the black wire to ground<br /><br />and use the red to see if your getting 12 volts to the battery cable connected to the starter.<br /><br />then you might need help<br /><br />you can connect it to the soliend post on the starter and see if it gets power when you turn the key<br /><br />tommays

 

[wrenchboy]

Re: Car starter problem

I suspect the contacts inside the solenoid are failing/burnt. very common problem. you dont have to replace the whole starter. you can get the contacts from the dealer. once the starter is out, it only takes maybe 15 min to replace them...

 

[NC22]

Re: Car starter problem

Turn the key to the on position and open the hood and look on the sidewall for your silinoid relay. Touch across the relay with a plier handle and see if it will start. (wear gloves, it will spark). If it does start, your ignition switch may be the problem. I have an s10 Blazer with the same problem and it is my ignition switch.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Car starter problem

NightVision, if the battery is in good condition, when you turn the key you should hear a click. If you hear nothing, your solinoid is bad. It maybe just the contacts like Mr. Crabbs said or the it is dirty preventing it from movement. We can assume that the wiring is good from your statement. Typical problem for Hondas/Toyotas.<br /><br />If you find youself stuck, give the car a little "rockin side to side". then try to start again.

 

[rwise]

Re: Car starter problem

solinoid, ignition switch, or maybe the park/nutral switch in the trany, more likely one of the first 2, all fail. Have youu tried moving the shifter?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Car starter problem

Do the dash lights dull when you turn the key to crank?

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Car starter problem

Ignition switch could be bad.

 

[Scooch_2]

Re: Car starter problem

I had a 96 Geo prizm (same Toyota motor) with the same problem. Apparently it is a common problem with the cheap starters on the car. The windings on the starter motor start to crack/break apart and the current will fail to flow to the motor. <br /><br />In my case, I could hear the solenoid click, but that was it. When you try it a few times the windings warm up a bit and then the circuit would complete.<br /><br />My mechanic said it is a common not only because of the cheap starter, but the fact on oil changes oil can easily drip on it.<br /><br />Since the starter is right up to the firewall, its a pain the the butt to do your self. You to need to get to it over and under the motor. Worth the price of someone else doing it (IMO).<br /><br />I was also warned that a lot of the manufactured starters are also the same cheap junk, so be carefull what goes back in it.<br /><br />The alternators are not all the great either