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Toyota Camry Starting / Stalling Questions

164 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 7:03 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry, Engine, Sedan

Messages Page 17 of 17

#154 of 164 Intermittent starting problems Camry 2002 by camry002

Jan 10, 2013 (7:40 am)

I have a 2002 Camry XLE, 4 cylinder.
About a month ago, it would not start in the morning (housed in the garage).
AAA jump started it; jump started results: Starter Test: voltage 9.37, amps0.1, time 1.10.
Charging system test: No Load 14.31, 0.5 A; loaded 14.30, 0.6 A. (lights on).
Drain test: 0.02A.
 
Car seemed fine and started well ... until yesterday, when it would not start in a store parking lot, outside temperature around 35 degrees. AAA came out again and jump started. Said they thought it was the battery. Went to O'Reilly where battery was bought 2 yrs. 3 mos. ago, and they said the battery was fine: battery load with 12.71 volts to start
Alt. output 14.04 volts; around 35 amps but daytime running lights were on. Suggested a possible dead spot on starter.
Next drove to Toyota dealership: battery test, rated CCA 582; measured cca 805, measured volts 12.61, degrees F 92. Service guy said he didn't want to start throwing parts at it when he couldn't pinpoint anything right now.
 
When turning the key, the car makes a rather high pitched whining sound but just won't start.
Would a battery go out that is less than 2-1/2 years old? (They claim they can't replace it if there meter reads that it is functioning.) Is the car running off the alternator?
Might anyone have had similar issues ... and how were you able to resolve them?
Recommend the dealership, or would a typical smaller-town mechanic be likely able to handle this?
Thanks.

#155 of 164 Re: Intermittent starting problems Camry 2002 [camry002] by alex24

Jan 13, 2013 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: camry002 (Jan 10, 2013 7:40 am)
1st, I think it is your starter relay, they stick on or off at times causing that problem, most camrys have relays, they are in different areas depends on year, on my camry it was behind the glove box, if not relay you may have a poor wire connection, maybe at starter solenide or etc. starter relays cost approx around $25. I think thats your car problem, I bought my starter relay at advance auto parts, Call them or the dealership to ask where its located on the car, it plugs in like a big box fuse.

#156 of 164 Engine or transmission? Could this be a big deal? by suge1977

Jan 16, 2013 (8:21 pm)

I drive a 2005 Camry. Has approximately 138k miles on it. I drive round trip 5 days a week about 50 miles. In the past 4 months, when I'm driving on the road or highway and I reach a speed of about 40-45 mph, it seems as if the engine sounds louder and the rpms are struggling to shift it to gear so that the car accelerates.
 
It will accelerate but sounds like the sound a motorcycle would make right before you shift gears. On the highway at about 70 it's not as loud. I get regular oil changes. Just got new tires/brakes in August. I haven't had any issues with this car! I love it, I really do take care of it. Thanks!

#159 of 164 1996 Camry Starting Problems by jfranko

Jan 24, 2013 (8:09 am)

I have a 96 toyota camry that wont start. when i turn the key, the starter clicks but doesnt turn. I replaced the starter and it works fine (as does the one i took out). the battery was obviously checked and is charged. when i hook up the starter to the leads and its not in the engine it doesnt turn (in other words, its not a locked engine). I replaced one of the fuses in the starting relay and it didnt make a difference. So the problem is between the battery and the starter - the starter isnt getting enough power (if i take it to an autoparts store it works when hooked up to their system but doesnt work (but makes a click) when hooked up to the car. any ideas?

#160 of 164 Re: 1996 Camry Starting Problems [jfranko] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 24, 2013 (9:06 am)

Replying to: jfranko (Jan 24, 2013 8:09 am)
Maybe bad battery cables then.
 
we know your starter is okay
 
we know your engine is not seized
 
we know that current flows from your ignition key to your starter solenoid (because it clicks)
 
So my guess is not enough juice from the battery.

#161 of 164 need new starter by uckrkat123

Jan 27, 2013 (12:15 pm)

Owner of a billon used cars, me, can safely say you should replace the starter. A rebuilt starter is just as good and so much cheaper.I have paid as little as 25$ for a rebuilt starter.

#162 of 164 Re: need new starter [uckrkat123] by camry002

Jan 27, 2013 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: uckrkat123 (Jan 27, 2013 12:15 pm)
Thanx for replying -- but why do you think it is the starter?
 
It's "intermittent" and been two times in past 2 mos. that it hasn't started.
 
Wouldn't a bad starter act up more often?

#163 of 164 Re: Intermittent starting problems Camry 2002 [camry002] by camry002

Feb 28, 2013 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: camry002 (Jan 10, 2013 7:40 am)
Update and Resolution---finally! Camry 2002 intermittent starting problems:
     For the 3rd time, car that had been sitting in the garage overnight, would not start. First time was in Dec., then again late Jan., and now late Feb. 2013. Car dealerships couldn't figure it out.
     This time, "brilliant relative" with support of "brilliant friend" suggested that we not call AAA to jump start it. Instead, wanted to actually swap my battery with his known-functioning battery. He made the reconnect. It started IMMEDIATELY!
     Moral of the story, perhaps:
     When AAA jump starts a battery, it gives it enough juice so that when you take it to O'Reilly's Auto or a dealership/mechanic, the readout is okay BUT ACTUALLY IT ISN'T ... FOR LONG! The manager told me it was likely the starter or something else that was a parasitic low draw on my battery.
     To their credit, O'Reilly's did use their battery checker device on wheels the first time this occurred and it showed it supposedly was not the battery. Maybe not to their credit -- is the fact that batteries being their specialty and having had the explanation of what happened, they didn't realize or admit that jumping it can cause it to look like a battery is still OK. My battery was 2 years and 4 mos. old. They replaced it but made me pay the amount of the remaining 8 mos on the warranty.
     Sure hope that this may help some of the rest of you, and save you some money, too. I was close to starting to replace the Relay, first; then probably have to think about replacing the Starter.
     Still totally enjoying my Camry, at slightly over 10 yrs. old!

Messages Page 17 of 17

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