Starting Problem

[JG67]

Hello all! My 1998 ES is not starting. I'm suspecting it's the starter. For about the past two weeks, I have had some intermittent starting problem. Inserted the key, proceeded to start the engine then "A CLICK". I then remove the key, re-inserted and placed the gear on reverse, then park..the engine starts. It has been an intermittent problem since then. Tonight, however, I was getting ready to park the car inside the garage, the car won't start. I did my ritual from my past episode.....nothing.. Just a click, not clicking. Nevertheless, I ended up pushing the car inside the garage.

The battery seems o.k. All the lights comes on. Could it possibly be the starter? Has anyone ever experienced this on their ES? :cries: Could I go to my local toyota dealer and buy this part? I really hope it's just the starter. I will dismattle it tomorrow and test it. Anyone has any recommendation on what else I can check? I really need some direction. As always, I appreciate any insight and direction on what do next...

[amf1932]

A quick test is to turn on the dome light and then try to start the car. If the dome light dims a lot and the starter still makes a clicking sound I would 'load test' the battery and check the battery terminal ends for corrosion.

If these tests are OK, and you pull the starter, I would check the contacts on the starter solenoid. In many cases these contacts are burned out. You should be able to get replacements at your parts dealer. The rest of the starter motor might be fine.

[JG67]

A quick test is to turn on the dome light and then try to start the car. If the dome light dims a lot and the starter still makes a clicking sound I would 'load test' the battery and check the battery terminal ends for corrosion.

If these tests are OK, and you pull the starter, I would check the contacts on the starter solenoid. In many cases these contacts are burned out. You should be able to get replacements at your parts dealer. The rest of the starter motor might be fine.

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Thanks for the insight. I followed you suggestion. I checked that battery for corrosion, NONE. All checked out great, so I proceeded to remove the starter. I called my local toyota dealer and they had the part. I priced around before I purchased one. Toyota advised me that most of the engine component from the ES300 is very similiar to the Camry. After, it is a Toyota. Our pepboys automotive store stocks the starter I need. In the interest of saving money, I went to pepboys instead and saved $150. I am an OEM kinda guy. I would have prefer to have the toyota part, but at the end of the day, both carried the same one yr. warranty. Reinstalled the part and she back in action.

Since I took off most of the airbox to get to the bolts for the starter, I took the liberty a nd cleaned my throttle body. Sprayed it and all and removed all that carbon deposit.

Just make sure that if anyone attempts to do this maintenance, make sure that red plactic extension for spraying is secured. I was spraying away when it came loose. Fortunately, it didn't go far. It could have been worst. Anyhow, thanks for the advice. As always, I can count on everyone here for fantastic direction and feedback. THANK YOU....

[Toysrme]

Don't feel bad about not buying an OEM Toyota starter.

Honestly... All OEM's have their idiosyncrasies. Honda's use to always rust the exhaust out from water dripping under the car - The starter/solenoid is Toyota's problem.

I'm on my fifth starter on two Toyota's. (This Lexus, and a previous 'rolla) I've gotten more life out of both Autozone remanufactured starters (Did two OEM replacement on the 'rolla, and one on this car) you bought than I have brand new OEM Toyota parts.

It's not the starters. The built-in solenoids just suck!!! If you *feel* like taking the oem starters a part and cleaning / fixing the solenoids maybe 75-80% of the time you can fix them.

Ya know it's just one of those things. Back in the day, the starter & solenoid were separate; so when the solenoid went out you could replace it for cheap. Then everyone decided to make them in the same little unit so instead of paying $5-$15 for a solenoid, you pay $75-$200 for a new unit.

Economics rule! LoL! :D

Glad you got it running!

[JG67]

Don't feel bad about not buying an OEM Toyota starter.

Honestly... All OEM's have their idiosyncrasies. Honda's use to always rust the exhaust out from water dripping under the car - The starter/solenoid is Toyota's problem.

I'm on my fifth starter on two Toyota's. (This Lexus, and a previous 'rolla) I've gotten more life out of both Autozone remanufactured starters (Did two OEM replacement on the 'rolla, and one on this car) you bought than I have brand new OEM Toyota parts.

It's not the starters. The built-in solenoids just suck!!! If you *feel* like taking the oem starters a part and cleaning / fixing the solenoids maybe 75-80% of the time you can fix them.

Ya know it's just one of those things. Back in the day, the starter & solenoid were separate; so when the solenoid went out you could replace it for cheap. Then everyone decided to make them in the same little unit so instead of paying $5-$15 for a solenoid, you pay $75-$200 for a new unit.

Economics rule! LoL! :D

Glad you got it running!

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Amen to that!!!! Good thing I have another car and still kickin at 158K. A 1992 toyota corolla dx..good o'le lil car that never wants to give up. Thanks again I feel so much better.. Happy 4th.