Carina Starting Problem

[Hampo69]

Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum and Toyotas in general.

I have a 1992 Carina E 1.6 Auto. This has been a purchased following a motorcycle meets old car driver.

The car has been fautless since I bought it 2 months ago. In the last two weeks, I have been having trouble starting the car.

The guy I bought it from said there was a radio fault that drained the Battery, so I have charged the Battery over the last few days.

When I turn the ignition key, there is a click then nothing. There is a faint whirring sound in the background, but no real turning over noise. The key has to be turned a few times before the car turns over and fires into life. The problem seems to be worse if the car is cold, such as first thing in a morning.

Since the Battery, which is a maintenance free one, seems okay, I think I may have a problem with the starter solenoid or starter motor.

Is there an easy cure that won't cost me another leg?

Can these jobs be done by a muppet with bad legs?

Thanx for any help.

[Penfold]

Hi,

Sounds similar to a problem I had on an '89 1.6 Carina II GL. The solenoid would sometimes clunk and sometimes start first time but as time went on it gradually took more pulls to get it going. Mr T could have sold me a nice new starter but advised me to buy the contact service kit. It's a couple of thick copper L-shaped brackets that fit in the solenoid on top of the starter - providing they didn't change the design too much. The solenoid plunger can also get a bit gummed up so this will need cleaning with solvent before reassembly.

Took me about 3 hours to strip/renovate/refit. You'll need axle stands or a lift to be able to get under engine as well as a socket set and pliers.

I did notice afterwards that I might have got away with cleaning the original copper contacts but you can never tell the state of corrosion/erosion until you've opened it up. If budget is tight then try it but it may be a false economy long term.

Hope this helps

[Hampo69]

Thanx for the help, I'll give it a try.

Failing that, I have got the name of a reputable, and reasonably priced, Autoelectrician.

[Hampo69]

Had an autoelectrician have a quick look at the car, since I had arranged for him to check it the problem has magically disappeared, typical.

He thinks it may just be dust on the armatures that can occassionally build up and clear itself.

I have the car i for a service on Monday, I may just get them to have a quick look while its up on the ramp.

[dave48703]

Removed post to a fresh topic.

[dave48703]

Removed post to a fresh topic.