Starter/electrical Problem

[Jerdy]

I need some help on a starter problem. It is really doing my head in now. Recently my Corolla (1999 1.6 GS) would have problems starting. I would turn the key and nothing. Then after a couple more times would get a few clicks. After a few more tries the starter might engage then stop .prior to starting the engine. After a couple of minutes the engine would start. My initial reaction was the starter was knackered. So I bought a new starter. Installed it, turned the ignition, and you guessed it NOTHING. Is this indicative of a faulty relay switch or could it be faulty wiring? I am beginning to wonder if needed to replace the starter in the first place. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Is there something I am missing or should be checking?

[Steve Swinton]

I need some help on a starter problem. It is really doing my head in now. Recently my Corolla (1999 1.6 GS) would have problems starting. I would turn the key and nothing. Then after a couple more times would get a few clicks. After a few more tries the starter might engage then stop .prior to starting the engine. After a couple of minutes the engine would start. My initial reaction was the starter was knackered. So I bought a new starter. Installed it, turned the ignition, and you guessed it NOTHING. Is this indicative of a faulty relay switch or could it be faulty wiring? I am beginning to wonder if needed to replace the starter in the first place. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Is there something I am missing or should be checking?

Hi! I agree that it sounds like a starter solenoid problem. Changing the starter should obviously cure that as the solenoid is attached to the starter.

This may sound like a dafte question. but, did you change it for a new starter? As in "Brand new?" Or was it used starter you replaced it with. The reason I ask is, I have run every model of the corolla since 1982 as driving school cars and the high tension contacts in the solenoid have burnt out before the motor gave up in every case. usually around 60 to 90,000 miles. It may be possible that the replacment has the same problem as your own.

I have usually been able to replace the contacts with a bit of engineering wizardry. On one occasion I was able to source out a new replacment solenoid at a fraction of the cost of the new starter.

The only other thing I can suggest is, you may have a faulty ignition/starter switch. Although I have never come across that problem on the cars I have used.