Starting problem, Starting problem Options

[valerit1]

My celica sometimes does not start on a key turn, starts ok after a delay. Normally, it is attributed to the starter contacts.
But sometimes the starter engages and turns, and then dies. Restart works. Battery good, no other issues.
What else to blame in this case?
Thanks!

[danmumo]

I am not completely sure, but i had the same issue with my 5gen and it with time the starter died.

[Syaoran]

I agree, it sounds like a dying starter.

[valerit1]

I took it apart recently and the contacts are good. What other reasons may be for it to die?

[blackliftback]

Check ground wire connections.

[valerit1]

Ground is fine. Anything else?

[blackliftback]

Ground is fine. Anything else?

Did you check all the ground wires? The thermostat, trans, engine, and battery ground?

[Poonicus]

What about your distributor?

[valerit1]

Grounds are good. Once again - it doe not start several tries sometimes - then does. Runs absolutely perfect otherwise - how it can be the distributor? Anything else? Switches? Transmission/neutral? Any other?

[blackliftback]

Auto or manual?
And when you say it takes a few tries before it starts, does it at least crank over but not start or does it do nothing?

[valerit1]

Auto. No cranking - until in cranks and starts. All warning lights lit - and nothing on a key turn. No starter clicking. Several tries - same.
And then it starts. Next time it can happen weeks ahead.

[blackliftback]

Have you tried putting it in neutral and then starting it?

[valerit1]

Inconclusive. Frequently starts after several tries - nothing else.

[blackliftback]

So did you try putting it in neutral and try to start it? Reading pwns me sometimes lol

[valerit1]

It may start if I put in neutral. Or may not. Or it may start if I do nothing. Couple of times when I put in neutral the starter span for a short time and died without starting. It has been doing it for many months, if not years! The frequency might have worsened, though.

[valerit1]

I replaced the starter relay. It is not the starter itself. All the warning lights are lit. Today it started after the 5th try - touched nothing but the key.

[SwissFerdi]

Perhaps stupid/obvious/unnecessary, but corrosion on the battery terminals?

[blackliftback]

How does it do when you get it started and drive....

Example; when you are driving, does it act like neutral/wrong gear?

[valerit1]

I replace the battery a couple times while this happening.

Perhaps stupid/obvious/unnecessary, but corrosion on the battery terminals?

[valerit1]

It is absolutely perfect, except this problem.

How does it do when you get it started and drive....

Example; when you are driving, does it act like neutral/wrong gear?

According to the Toyota wiring diagram - there are only 3 ground points - 2 on the front sidewalls, and one on the leftmost spark plug?

Ground is fine. Anything else?

Did you check all the ground wires? The thermostat, trans, engine, and battery ground?

[97GTinKC]

When my wife's 97 acted just like that, it was the contacts in the starter solenoid. they looked ok at 1st, but were worn to the point the plunger was bottoming out b4 the contacts made good contact, some arcing going on that sometimes took several tries to get a good contact through. Toyota sells a replacement solenoid repair kit to repair it.

Ironically, my Harley had the same type starter and took the same contacts. It also had the same troubles.

... apparently Autozone and others sell kits now too:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wc...ontent=22147948

[Poonicus]

What motor is in your Celica? 3gse or 5sfe?

[valerit1]

It is 5sfe - all stock. Well, I replaced the ignition switch on the stalk - it is still doing that.
Any other ideas? My understanding - if it is the starter, there is a characteristic "click" heard from the solenoid when the key is turned.
I do not hear it. Here - it is just silence. And next turn (or several) it would start.
And the solenoid contacts have only light wear, I checked. Anything else to look into?
Thanks!

What motor is in your Celica? 3gse or 5sfe?

[DeviantCorndog]

If you have had to replace your battery a few times..ever think about your alternator? If your alternator is bad its just going to drain the battery. Worth getting it tested.

This post has been edited by DeviantCorndog: Jan 1, 2014 - 3:46 PM