1997 Camry 4 Cyl - Cold Starting Problem

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Odd you should mention this, Stanley, because the same thing happened recently to our 1997 Camry. My wife uses it largely, and so I was never around when this happened, but she tells me that turning the key to start the engine was useless, as if there were no battery...no slow starter motor..just silence. She'd turn the key several times and suddenly the starter would engage and the car would start normally. She tells me that this situation happened between 6 and 12 times over the past few weeks, but the car always started...finally. But now, the situation has "gone away" and the car always starts normally. I thought it sounded like an improper contact at the starter solenoid, but I would be hardpressed to even FIND the solenoid. Anyway, perhaps if you just keep at it, your problem will eventually go away too! Good luck. (oh, BTW, you mention "cold starting problem" ....our problem happened whether the engine was cold or had just been driven and was at operating temperature.)

I had a new starter put in my 97 Camry after experiencing similar symptoms about 2 years ago. The frustrating thing was that when I would take it to the mechanic, he would say it was just fine. Started up real good for him, even kept it overnight....trouble was it was parked in his nice warm service bay, so the car didn't get nice and cold like it should've. Finally the stupid starter just croaked and I was towed to the garage. New starter is rebuilt genuine Toyota and performs real well.

I have a similar problem with my Corolla a number of years ago. It happened intermittently. The problem wss the starter solenoid. Once it was replaced, the problem disappeared.

same problem on my 97 corolla. would do it every now and then. sometimes it would turn over slowly. thought it was the battery so replaced it. was ok for a week or two then started it again.finally just had a new started put on. been 3 months now and no problems. toyota dealer wanted

The Nippon denso starter-motor is a very good unit generally. If you have a voltmeter, the best way to diagnose that type of fault, is to measure the volts at the starter solenoid while an assistant turns the key. If the meter indicates 10 or more volts, the trouble is the solenoid within the starter. The solenoid is just a powerful electro-mechanical switch, which can stick. If there are no volts, then the fault lies in the circuitry back towards the key.

The wire which applies volts to the solenoid is the lighter gauge or smaller diameter connection at the starter.

My '96 did a similar thing, except I could hear a soft "thunk" noise. That turned out to be worn starter-motor-activate contacts in the solenoid itself. They had worn away. Replacing them was a relatively simple procedure if you had a basic tool kit.

Jason

Most likely it's the starter. On my wifes' 97 Camry the same thing was happening. I checked the terminals, replaced the connectors, etc.It twould come and go. So after fooling around with it for about a year I listened to my mother in law who said "It's the starter" and got the starter rebuilt. Cost about $125 at a local guy who does only starters and alternators.

Glad to hear I'm not alone, damn starter was torture in it's methodical refusal to behave badly for mechanics. And the mechanics, of course, were paranoid about replacing the unit when it could've been something else. Could've saved some grief by just going in and saying....just replace the starter, I don't care about your diagnosis, just do it. Thanks group.