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I have a 1995 Camry with 32,000 miles on it. When ...
Sent to Car Experts November 08 10:15 PM

I have a 1995 Camry with 32,000 miles on it. When trying to start first thing in the morning, it will turn over very slowly, next try it clicks, like a very low battery, (A brand new battery was just installed with the last two days) Then it will start. Usually, when it is warmed up, it starts almost every first try. A new ignition switch was installed and the starter relay was checked for continuity. Once, the starter continued to try to start the engine even after I shut the key off. Any ideas where to look? I thought about replacing the starter, maybe the comutator was worn in the spot where it stops each time, or maybe the starter solenoid. I don't want to just keep on replacing parts until it is fixed.

Optional Information: 1995 Toyota Camry 2.2

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
November 8 10:32 PM (16 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
I know u dont want to keep throwing parts at it. So this problem will need to be diagnosed. If the batt keeps dying then there is a draw. Make sure nothing is left on overnight. When the car cranks over slow get a voltmeter on the batt and starter. neither component should have less than 10.5 volts when cranking. Also this will tell u if the starter is getting a signal or if the starter is shorted itself. remember that just because the ignition is new that doesnt mean it is good!
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AMEDEE -- ASE MASTER TECH98% Positive Feedback on 1190 Car Accepts
ADVANCED LEVEL SPECIALIST
Reply
November 8 11:55 PM (1 hour and 23 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
Reply to amedee's Post: The battery is new and was fully charged for two days,,so loosing voltage is not a problem. The problem is sometimes it starts right away, and sometimes it cranks like a low battey, sometimes it just clicks like a dead battery. When it is warm, it seems to start each time.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 9 7:26 PM (19 hours and 31 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Sorry it took so long to get back to u. Sounds like a bad starter or a bad engine ground. one of two things is happening. First thing to check is a starter draw test. This test will need to be done when the problem is acting up. If u bring the car to a local auto parts store they should do this for free. 250 amps max when cranking. If it is any more replace the starter. Next step is to check for a good engine ground because the starter grounds itself to the engine block. If u have a bad engine ground, u will loose voltage then the starter will turn over slow. Check this by getting a voltmeter and putting one side on batt ground and the other on the engine block. watch the volmeter as someone is cranking. The voltmeter should not read more than 1 volt max! If it is more than that is the voltage that is not being used. If thats the case follow the neg. batt terminal to the engine block until u find the bad conection. thanks for being patient.

Edited by amedee on November 9 2005 at 7:27 PM
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AMEDEE -- ASE MASTER TECH98% Positive Feedback on 1190 Car Accepts
ADVANCED LEVEL SPECIALIST
Reply
November 10 11:44 AM (16 hours and 17 minutes and 32 seconds later)
         
Relist: I still need help.
The problem is not one that you can expect to have happen on a regular basis. It is sporatic. I don't have many choices living here on a island in Southeast Alaska. Not much in the way of auto parts stores that have equipment to check things. Being as the problem is not consistent, what would be the best approach to begin troubleshoot the problems. Would it be best just to buy another starter? What about the ignition switch, I replaced the cylinder lock assembly but maybe the part that is beyond that is not working properly. Sorry for so many questions but I really need some help on this one.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 10 6:52 PM (7 hours and 8 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
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AMEDEE -- ASE MASTER TECH98% Positive Feedback on 1190 Car Accepts
ADVANCED LEVEL SPECIALIST
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