Not starting Turn key- clicking noise, as if starter is trying to engage. Lights coming on on the dash. Black smoke coming from exhaust started happening for the last few months, as the car was starting. Was told that values would need to be addressed at last inspection (6-7 months ago). Thoughts?

SOURCE: 1994 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder Starting problems

your starter is bad.... the two contacts inside the solinoid are worn out only way to fix is replace the unit as a whole bet ya you get click click click then my start.. bet my life on this one been fixin toyotas for 20+ years

SOURCE: 1999 SOLARA V6 Starter

Consider trying with another battery. Possibly the battery is dying bcos the alternator is not charging up to rating.

Cheers.

rate this.

SOURCE: 1999 Camry; Starter won't work when engine is cold

There are contacts located inside the solenoid of the starter that fail with age.

As the contacts where down, the starter likes to 'stick' and can take many tries to start, often requiring jostling like turning the wheel.

There are two options to correct this. The first obviously is to replace the starter.
To save some money you can replace the contacts instead.

Doing this requires unhooking your battery and removing the starter from the car.
Then remove the access plate on the back of the solenoid (3 8mm bolts), take out the plunger and spring. From there you can see the copper contacts, and how they have worn. Remove the 12m and 14mm on either side of the housing and push the bolts through to release the contacts and install new in the same order they came apart.

If you are taking this to a repair shop, be advised most independent shops will just try to sell you a $450 starter. Provide them these instructions or take it to a Toyota dealer and ask for "starter contacts" and they will know exactly what you need.

SOURCE: Just replaced the starter for

May just need computer re-set..Free at most car part stores!

Ken Williams

• 263 Answers
• Posted on Mar 18, 2012

SOURCE: Hi, have a toyota avalon, tried starting the car , it won't start, but then the starter engaged and won't turn off evenwithout the key, disconnected the battery and it stopped , when the batte

It sounds like you have a bad actuator. This is attached to the starter and has a solonoid that pushes the starter motor gears into the engine gear. If the solonoid is faulty this may happen. Also check alignment of the same.