Help With Starting Issue. Please

[Krux]

Hello,

I have a 95 Celica basic model from what I can tell.

It's been running good for a year, then one day I turn the key and the engine doesn't start.

I turn the key again and then the engine starts.

For awhile the problem came and went. I thought at first it might be the unusal cold weather in San Diego at the time.

In the last few months the problem has grown worse. The number of times that I have to turn the key to start the car keeps increasing.

It's random too. Today it took me about 50 to 80 turns before it started.

I have this fear that any day now.. it just won't start.

I'm on a tight budget and can not afford to take it to the shop for a few weeks. So any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Krux]

Sorry forgot to include.

When I turn the key to start it, I always get a click sound and all electonics seem to work. So I don't belive the problem to be Battery related.

When ever I get that one turn that starts the engine cranking. it fires right up and acts like nothing was wrong.

[daktari]

You ought to start with the obvious things.

Check all electrical terminals and connections are tight and clean.

Check spark plug leads are making good connections. Especially the one from the coil to the distributor cap.

When were the plugs last changed?

Usually a process of elimination with these sort of problems.

Good hunting. :)

[yvvan]

Hi,

-Bad ignition switch, check continuity, repair or replace if bad.

-Starter motor, clean all connectors on it. If that doesn't help give the starter motor a whack with a rubber hammer. Likely solenoids (sp) or brushes , have yours renewed at a decent shop, much less than a new or overhauled one.

Cheers, Yves (who really needs to get a *decent* technical dictionary).

[GT4 BOOSTER]

i'd say defo the starter wires for sure.

[Krux]

Thank You ,

Some great info here so far.

I appreciate your help.

[chocka]

IF THE ENGINE IS TURNING OVER THEN ITS NOT YOUR STARTER MOTOR, COULD BE THE FOLLOWING THO

1. LACK OF FUEL...FUEL FILTER BLOCKED/PUMP

2. LACK OF A SPARK.. DIZZY CAP, PLUGS, LEADS, COIL

[GT4 BOOSTER]

gotta agree with chocka , if its turning over it can be 1 of a dozen things, you need to clarify if its turning over or is the key just clicking when you turn it???

[Krux]

Each time I turn the key, the engine does not crank.

All I hear is a click, then nothing.

Most of the time when the engine does crank it starts right up.

[Tom.B]

Its a bad earth by the sounds of it :(

try looking at youre earthing points. Its a common problem on a lot of cars

[GT4 BOOSTER]

given that krux , its all pointing to the starter motor connections.take em all off and clean them and apply grease or similar.failing this not working it may be the black plug on the end of the ignition barrell is on the way out.good luck,

[chocka]

DEFINITELY YOUR STARTER MOTOR THEN, THE CLICKING INDICATES THAT THE SOLENOID IS WORKING BUT NOT ENGAGING THE ACTUAL STARTER MOTOR.

HAVE YOU TRIED THE EARTH WIRES YET?

IF THAT DOESN'T WORK THEN ITS BEST TO HAVE THE STARTER MOTOR OUT AND HAVE A PLAY WITH IT/REPLACE IT, IF MONEY IS TIGHT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SOURCE ONE FROM A BREAKERS YARD

[ae111sr]

I've had the same problem on my Corolla until yesterday (he says crossing fingers).

I swapped out

1. the solenoid contacts - didn't work

2. the complete starter motor - didn't work

3. the ignition switch - didn't work

In the end I had the wire from the starter switch to the solenoid replaced completely and that seems to have fixed the problem :shutit: