Ignition problems

- P
- Paul
  
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posted
18 years ago

Fri, Jul 22, 2005 9:34 PM

Hi All,

I wonder if there is someone out there that can recognises a problem I'm having with my 1992 Toyota Carina E XL 1.6.

The problem is that occasionally the car doesn't start. On turning the ignition key nothing happens. The electrics are OK (the dashboard indicators light up and the radio etc works) but the starter motor doesn't even try to turn. The odd thing is that if you leave the car for 15 minutes or so everything is fine. Other than this intermittent problem the car is extremely reliable and a nice drive. The battery was recently replaced & the car has quite a low millage for its age.

I bought the car from my mum who said this happened a few times to her (IIRC 3 times in 4? years). However, for me it's happened a few times in less than 6 months. Possibly because I rarely use it, whereas my mum drove it almost daily.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated!

- R
- Ray O
  
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posted
18 years ago

Fri, Jul 22, 2005 10:28 PM

If the car has an automatic transmission ("gearbox"), try shifting the transmission to neutral and see if it starts. If it does, the neutral safety switch is the cause.

If the car has a manual transmission, there should be a barrel switch on the clutch pedal - you will have to crawl under the dashboard to see it. Adjust it about 2 turns and see if that makes a difference.

If those simple things are not the cause, the starter relay contacts may be worn or corroded. A Toyota dealer or auto parts store may be able to get you the contacts and/or install them for you.

If that is still not the cause, someone knowledgeable about starting systems will have to diagnose with a multi-meter.

- G
- Gord Beaman
  
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posted
18 years ago

Sat, Jul 23, 2005 2:21 AM

Listen carefully as you turn the key to 'start', if you hear a 'click' (under the hood) each time you do this but the starter doesn't engage then it's likely the heavy contacts in the starter solenoid (sometimes integral with the starter).

If there's no click then select 'neutral' (auto trans) and try again. If you have a manual trans with which you need to step on the clutch during starting then it might be that safety switch (try stepping hard on the clutch)