I've got a rather strange problem with my daughter's '99 Corolla that started happening about a month ago and happens on and off. Sometimes when we try to start the car all that we hear is a click. Sometimes it will do this once or twice and then start, other times it just won't start for a while after dozens of tries and then we try it later and it starts. The battery was about 4 years old so I took it in to our local Advance Auto Parts store for a replacement and they checked it and found that it was still good with over 550 CCAs. I then had them check the starter and alternator and both checked out okay with their testing equipment. They suggested it could be a bad ground or the ignition switch could be going bad. The strange thing is it never acted up when they were checking it - started first time each time I tried it. I get it home and it acts up again. I just recently tried it after my daughter couldn't get it to start and I was able to start it about 10 times in a row before it started clicking a few times then starting. I'm leaning towards some sort of relay or starter problem but I would like to throw this out and see if anyone has had similar problems and what they did to fix it.
i have a buddy who has an older corolla and he had a very similar problem. they replaced everything logically (battery, solenoid, starter, then another starter) and finally turned out to be the key switch. since all your other stuff checks out, i highly recommend you start by replacing the ignition switch and see if that helps. you can probably find one with a key cheap at a salvage yard if you don't mind having a different door/trunk key.
also, in sherlock holmes fashion, i predict you will find approximately 5 lbs of "gear" hanging off your daughter's key fob. now is a great time to start training her to be a good wife and keep only the essentials on the ignition key to avoid similar problems down the road ;-)
I've got a rather strange problem with my daughter's '99 Corolla that started happening about a month ago and happens on and off. Sometimes when we try to start the car all that we hear is a click. Sometimes it will do this once or twice and then start, other times it just won't start for a while after dozens of tries and then we try it later and it starts. The battery was about 4 years old so I took it in to our local Advance Auto Parts store for a replacement and they checked it and found that it was still good with over 550 CCAs. I then had them check the starter and alternator and both checked out okay with their testing equipment. They suggested it could be a bad ground or the ignition switch could be going bad. The strange thing is it never acted up when they were checking it - started first time each time I tried it. I get it home and it acts up again. I just recently tried it after my daughter couldn't get it to start and I was able to start it about 10 times in a row before it started clicking a few times then starting. I'm leaning towards some sort of relay or starter problem but I would like to throw this out and see if anyone has had similar problems and what they did to fix it.
Thanks!
Few years ago, older daughter's '90 Corolla had two years of same symptoms and cranking problems. I checked every connection and wiring diagram, and all appearded OK. First year, intermittent no crank problem was instantly cured by "rebuilt" starter installed (brand unknown). OK for another year, then same problem happened again for about three months (winter). Seems when starter cools down, it may work OK. Same as your's; can go days or weeks OK, then problem cranking (no crank, maybe click). The second Remanuf. Starter was Bosch (understand Bosch is main Remanuf. supplier, at least for older years). It worked fine after that. But Jan '06 the Distributor's Iginiter Module failed; Toyota Dealer wanted $1000 for Distributor (Bum's Rush: did not offer to repalce the module). Too much cost and hassle, so she now she has a '03 Corolla.
I've been told by several mechanics that Corolla starter are trouble prone; maybe they have imporved over time. My younger daughter has '00 Corolla; so far so good. But at least I know the symptons and cure!!
My car (also 99 corolla) has the exact same problem. I bought starter
contact kit and wanted to replace the contact myself. However, I can not
find the upper bolt. There are two bolt that hold the starter to engine.
I only found the one under the car and could not find another bolt.
Could any one advise me how to find the upper bolt that holds the starter
to engine please? Any photo is appreciated.
My 99 Corolla has a similar starting problem.
a couple of weeks ago, one morning I try to start my car and it wudn't start except for a loud click. IT wud do that a 2 or 3 times and then it would start. I took it to NTB and asked them to check on the battery (my car had the original battery which is over 7 years old, never had a starting problem before, even when I returned from a month long vacation in the past). The NTB guy tested using a Tester and showed me that the battery is weak. Got a New 5 year Exide battery installed. Didn't have any problem starting for the first 3 days. but now it does.
Sometimes when I keep my door open and start the ignition, the car would start without any problem, first time. Coz when I close my driver side door, the car's keyless entry locks the doors when I turn the key. Then I have to try a couple of times, this happens even when I have my hand brake on or when I press the brake pedal.
Any suggestions what might be the problem.
Another problem is a month ago, my seat belt indicator was strange, it wud go ON when I buckle up and when I unbuckle, the warning light goes OFF. When my seat belt is buckled and if I pull the belt for a couple of feet the warning light comes ON.
My center tail light (seen through the rear window) went bad 2 times in 7 years (1st time when my car was 3 years old) and now I have not changed the bad bulb since it went bad the second time.
Does these altogether cause the electrical charge leak or something? that might cause the starting problem,
each dealer suggests different component to be replaced, but the cost for the repair is huge (around $500 to $700 including part if it is starter).
Pros and friends please help
Any help is appreciated
Thanks
Another 99 Corolla owner
I had the same problem with my '99 Corolla. When I try to start the car it makes a "click" sound. After a couple of attempts it starts.
I had called the AAA guy who examined the battery and said that it is in excellent condition. He said that it should be a problem with the starter. I dropped it at Pep Boys after lunch today for a Charge System Test where they will check the Alternator, Starter and the Battery. They said they would be done in an hour but I got the final reply only at 9pm when they were about to shut shop (after 4 calls on my part, getting desperate as they approached closing time). They said the battery is fine so just replace the starter with a new one for $400. They said I can check with my Toyota Dealer tomorrow morning but they are likely to charge even more.
I asked them if they can repair the starter or just clean it and try again, but they said that the starter is in a closed container and so they just replace it with a new one. I researched on the Internet and feel that it would be so wrong to just blindly replace the starter at such a high cost. If they can charge me 2+ hours of labor, can they not try to repair or just clean the starter and it’s connecting points?
I will definitely have to find a solution but I am thinking I will just get my car back from Pep Boys and explore a bit. Of course I run the risk of having a car that won’t work in case of an emergency but I want to explore a bit before replacing the starter. The AAA battery guy also suggested tapping on the starter, if nothing else. I also liked the idea of trying to start the car with the front door open so that it doesn’t try to auto-lock the doors when starting the car.
I found this link suggesting an alternative solution: http://yotarepair.com/Electrical.html#Starter%20Clicks
Q: I go out to my vehicle and the starter just clicks, I have replaced battery but it still happens.
A: Your problem is in the starter. Most Toyota dealers will replace the starter but in reality only the contacts inside need replacing. These contacts are available and the idea comes from Honda. If your dealer does not have access to these let me know and I can assist. This can save you approximately $150.00 and it works.
Please let me know if anyone has any other suggestions or advice.
Looks like you can get "contact(s)" for the starter for around $5 per piece and if you replace them, your problem may be solved. There are links in that post which even show pictures and give detailed instruction on how to do it.
Unfortunately, I don't have all the tools and I don't know how to work on it. I also don't know a friend who can do it. So I am still stuck with going to the Dealer or to Pep Boys. Only good thing about this knowledge is that I can at least ask the repair shop about this option of just replacing the contacts and NOT the entire starter.
even with basic tools, you can get the starter off yourself. just be sure to disconnect the battery cables before doing anything else.
once you have the starter off, find the old guy in your town/neighborhood/ etc. who rewinds electric motors and alternators. he will have the brushes or whatever else you need, unless it is something mechanical in the solenoid mechanism that is worn out and not engaging.
that said, as i have posted before, i have a buddy who went through this with his corolla. put two new starters on it, new batteries, etc. it would work fine for awhile, then start having the same intermittant starting problem. turned out to be the ignition keyswitch. once he replaced that, no more trouble.
i agree, 400 bux is a lot to find out if the starter is your trouble. most commonly, the starter is the problem and that is why all the shops are suggesting you replace it first. you can just save a lot of money by doing it yourself and either getting your starter repaired or buying a rebuilt one at the autoparts store and giving them your old one (core) to get the core charge refunded. that way, if it happens again, you're only out the cost of the starter and not all the labor the shops will charge you.
I am having similar problems for the past week or so. It has become cold, that is one change I have observed.
There are several clicks (upto 10 at times), and then the car starts. The dealer checked the battery and said it was OK, and the starter switch needs to be replaced (cost 300CAD inclusive of labour). I find that high, and given the experience of some of the folks on the forum makes me even more reluctant to fo go for it.
I want to give it a try myself, does anyone have the details / drawings of the starter, how the contacts and starter can be replaced, will appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
Few years ago, older daughter's '90 Corolla had two years of same symptoms and cranking problems. I checked every connection and wiring diagram, and all appearded OK. First year, intermittent no crank problem was instantly cured by "rebuilt" starter installed (brand unknown). OK for another year, then same problem happened again for about three months (winter). Seems when starter cools down, it may work OK. Same as your's; can go days or weeks OK, then problem cranking (no crank, maybe click). The second Remanuf. Starter was Bosch (understand Bosch is main Remanuf. supplier, at least for older years). It worked fine after that. But Jan '06 the Distributor's Iginiter Module failed; Toyota Dealer wanted $1000 for Distributor (Bum's Rush: did not offer to repalce the module). Too much cost and hassle, so she now she has a '03 Corolla.
I've been told by several mechanics that Corolla starter are trouble prone; maybe they have imporved over time. My younger daughter has '00 Corolla; so far so good. But at least I know the symptons and cure!!
Good Luck, DiyEdd
I had numerous no start conditions with the same multi click before crank (new battery already in). Shop replaced starter and it's been good for a couple years. Mine is also 5 speed so I was able to roll start it out of my driveway if needed (and did a couple times)
Read my post here http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/352803-post2/ regarding the Corolla distributor. It's been 2 years with not a hiccup. Distributor King----HIGHLY RECOMMENDED This is his e-bay store eBay Store - DISTRIBUTOR KING: and as of today he has almost 3600 feedbacks at 100% positive selling nothing but distributors. No relation just a real happy customer!
Hi ... i have a 99 corolla too ... about like 4 months ago i had the same problem ... my car wouldnt start ... it would click and click .. and then after like 3 or 4 times it would start ... i wasnt really worried ... aslong as the car started but then sometimes it wouldnt start at all ... so it kinda pissed me off ... anyways i went down to a ski resort and i spent my day there with my girlfriend ... we went to a tim hortons to get a coffee at the end of the day ... anwyays i get there ... and usually when you turn the ignition off the car is suppose to STOP ... but now ... stupid starter sticked and kept on turning without the key in the ignition ... oooh yeh ... it was a sunday .. every garage was closed ... and i was 100 km from home lol ... i drove the car in front of a canadian tire to see if any mechanics was there or anyone that could help ... i go back outside my hood was smoking lol ... i ran to the car opened the hood and disconnected the batterie ... starter was done ... we found a place to stay that night ... went back to canadian tire next morning .. the guy sayd they would start working on it at 9 am ... we ended up waiting till 4 pm -_- ... i was lucky to only pay 199$ ... it was a second hand starter ... and since then i never had any problems with it ... except now i have another problem when i drive on the road and i give some gas i hear this rattling noise ... i got it checked twice at toyota ... they checked the entire exhaust ... they didnt find anything ... and the sound seems to be way louder when the road are wet ... anyone can help me with that ? ... i cant find any solutions
when you say they checked the entire exhaust system, did they check the catalytic converters? on a 99 model, i'm guessing your mileage is up the point where you may need a new cat. the honeycomb inside of them can loosen up over time and rattle at certain rpms.
otherwise, i would think a heat shield or something similar rattle against an engine component or frame would be the usual culprit, but they should have found that.
one way to help figure it out is use a rubber hammer to tap different components of the exhaust to try to isolate where the noise is coming from by duplicating it.
'99 Corolla starting problems
Re: '99 Corolla starting problems
but then sometimes it wouldnt start at all ... so it kinda pissed me off ... anyways i went down to a ski resort and i spent my day there with my girlfriend ... we went to a tim hortons to get a coffee at the end of the day ... anwyays i get there ... and usually when you turn the ignition off the car is suppose to STOP ... but now ... stupid starter sticked and kept on turning without the key in the ignition ... oooh yeh ... it was a sunday .. every garage was closed ... and i was 100 km from home lol ... i drove the car in front of a canadian tire to see if any mechanics was there or anyone that could help ... i go back outside my hood was smoking lol ... i ran to the car opened the hood and disconnected the batterie ... starter was done ... we found a place to stay that night ... went back to canadian tire next morning .. the guy sayd they would start working on it at 9 am ... we ended up waiting till 4 pm -_- ... i was lucky to only pay 199$ ... it was a second hand starter ... and since then i never had any problems with it 
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