1997 Toyota Camry Logo
Posted on Jun 16, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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1997 Toyota Camry won't start

My Camry woundn't start when I tried, just made a clicking noise. Took the battery out and it was found to be bad so I replaced it. Now when I tried to start it doesn't make the clicking sound any more. The starter sounds strong but the engine just won't turn over. Could changing the battery have done something to the car. Before the day it started clicking, the car ran fine and started normally.

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  • markcorrolla Jun 16, 2009

    Thanks for responding, I'll try to clarify. The engine sounds like it wants to start like normally but it just never catches. With the key turned the starter is turning the engine but when I release the key the engine stops immediately.

  • Caleb Judd May 11, 2010

    You said the starter sounds strong but the engine wont turn over? how excactly do you know the starter sounds strong? when you say the car wont turn over that means nothing is turning so you wouldnt be able to hear anything. is the engine actually turning?

  • Anonymous Mar 29, 2014

    does not start, sounds like it is turning over faster than normal. The battery seems fine

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  • Posted on Jun 18, 2009
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The starter has two L-shape copper plates. These copper plates get used every time you start the car. After certain period of time the plates are so thin that no contact is made. So the car doesn't start. So your copper plates could be worn out. I had my replaced. And the problem is gone. If you know a good mechanic, you'll probably get fix for less than $100.

It's a common problem on Camry. They wear out prematurely.

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  • Posted on Jun 16, 2009
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The clicking is the starter solenoid, and the battery change doesn't change or hurt the situation, it's just coincidence. Either the solenoid or the starter itself is bad; you need the starter system tested in order to identify the problem. Get a firm estimate from any decent shop.If you need another starter, a rebuilt is just fine.

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Make sure the car has fuel first. then check your spark plugs to see if they are sparking. if you can do it yourself just unplug one, unscrew the spark plug and plug it into the spark lead, rest it on a metal part of the engine and have someone start the car, you will be able to see if its sparking. After that you will need to check the fuel A No start problem can be a number of things, but all engines need fuel, compression and spark at the right time. Was the car having problems before the battery was changed?

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