|
|
raman53
Novice
Oct 31, 2007, 7:14 AM
Post #1 of 6
(1531 views)
|
|
Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
I'm having problems starting my 99 Toyota Corolla. I knew my battery was dying, so I got a new one at Sears, but the problem persists. It won't even crank the first couple of times, esp. in the morning. Sometimes it starts on my 2nd or 3rd attempt; other times I have to wait till later in the day. Is there a connection problem; is it the starter?
Thanks for the help.
Raman
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 31, 2007, 8:36 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1526 views)
|
|
Re: Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
It could be a connection problem. What does it do when it doesn't start? Any noises or clicking? Does all power to other things quit when this happens?
It could be a starter or connections. Before you just replace things tell us just what it behaves like when not working and we can help,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
raman53
Novice
Oct 31, 2007, 8:59 AM
Post #3 of 6
(1525 views)
|
|
Re: Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
The horn, lights (inside the car) etc. seem to fully functional. There is absolutely no sound at all when I turn the ignition key. The panel lights all light up normally too. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, it starts on the second to fourth attempt. The worst is in the morning. I don't know whether it's because the engine has been off for some time or the cold (but it was about 40F this morning).
It couldn't be the connection to the battery, right, since the Sears guys would have cleaned the contacts and the accessories are working. By the way, the battery I got was DieHard North - that should be fine for Mass winters, right? Would it be some loose connection at the ignition key level?
|
|
| |
|
|
raman53
Novice
Oct 31, 2007, 10:24 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1522 views)
|
|
Re: Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
Could it be the spark-plugs? I was told by Sears that they need to be replaced. How difficult is it do it on a Corolla myself?
|
|
| |
|
|
way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 31, 2007, 12:15 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1517 views)
|
|
Re: Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
Sounds more like an ignition switch problem to me. Since everything works and then all of a sudden the starter engages. The spark plugs will not cause your starter not to work. If you have a test light, you need to see if current is getting to the starter when the key is turned to the start position. If the test light lights up, the problem may be the starter. If the test light does not light, check the switch.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
|
|
| |
|
|
DrElectrics
Enthusiast
Oct 31, 2007, 3:30 PM
Post #6 of 6
(1514 views)
|
Re: Starting problems
|
Sign In
|
|
It could be any number of things. Starting from easiest to hardest.
1. Connection from battery
2. Dead battery again due to Alternator not charging
3. Alternator
4. Spark plugs
5. Ignition switch
Do as way2old suggested. Start testing to save you some $$, test light a really cheap.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
Strut spring orientation and strut mount tension nut
Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail
