2000 Toyota Camry Starter clicks

Hi there,

I would be checking the starter first, have it removed and bench tested, and if OK start back tracking down the starting circuit to do your fault finding, start there.

Here are some guides that can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and this will give you an idea of what you are in for when replacing the starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Diagram (BELOW)

Mark

My 1996 totota camry wont start. had the battery tested and it is fine. I was told that when i put the key in the ignitition to turn the key 10-20 times and it will catch. did that for about a month now it wont start. when i put the key in it just goes - click-. nothing else. i have lites, radio etc.

Do you have a multi meter to do some testing?

No

what is a multi meter

what is a mult meter

A multi meter measures volts ohms etc.You need one to test for power at the starter while trying to start it.

My car has been sitting for a a few months, the battery, drained, but will take a jump and is fine. When I turn the ignition, there is clicking sound. The car has been well maintained, and i want to fix it myself before donating it. Is it the starter for sure? I know how to remove it, I think, if i can get my hands on a socket wrench. Just want to avoid paying someone to do something I can figure out.

If the starter cranks over fine with a jump start, then it appears the starter is just fine. Are you getting this clicking sound when jump starting it or when not?
If not, the clicking sound is because of the drained battery.
You should get the charging system tested to make sure the alternator is working.
If it is, and the battery continues to drain like over night or after a few days, then you have a short circuit somewhere. Then you would need to disconnect the negative battery cable, install a DC ammeter. inline and make sure you get no more than a 50mA reading with everything turned off and the key removed. If it is more than 50mA, that is 0.050 amps, then start pulling the fuses one at a time, leave them out and continue until the ammeter drops safely below 50mA, then hook the battery backup, remove the ammeter and now make sure everything on that fuse's circuit does work, cause that may give you a clue as to what is shorted.

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 250000 miles

Today, I went out to my reliable toyota and for the first time since I have owned it, it would not start. I thought it was a dead battery, but the all electrical systems work (radio, heat, and all lights). When I turn the key, there is no response, not even a click. When I try to turn it over, the radio goes out, but the idiot lights stay on. I tried to jump start it, but even so, not even a click from the starter. My diagnosis is the starter is dead and sapping all the power from the battery, causing the radio to go out. Am I right?

No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.

Hi guys. One extra note. I think the radio going out is normal. It should only get power when the ignition switch is in the "Accessory" or "Run" position. Same is true of the heater fan. Those things are turned off during cranking to save the current for the starter.

caradiodoc

Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 112000 miles

when turning key it only clicks and clicks,then it starts. could it be the starter?[ battery is new, cables are clean]

Most likely dead spot in starter armeture so yes starter needs testing and /or replaced

Could be the starter motor, starter relay, transmission range switch and ignition switch.

My 1996 toyota camry wont start. the battery was tested and it is fine. i have lights and radio, etc. i was told to turn key 15-20 times and it will catch. Ive done that previously. now nothing. when i put the key in the ignition it just goes - click- one time, thats all.

Depends on that click you're hearing. If it's a rather loud single clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank", that is caused by worn contacts in the starter solenoid. Those can be replaced for about 20 bucks but most people just replace the entire starter. The clue is that it will crank after cycling the ignition switch multiple times, and it will get progressively worse over weeks or months.

Starter will click when turned over won't start until about the tenth try?

**No crank at all/nothing/nada when key is engage to starting position

Could be the starter, starter relay, park and neutral switch/transmission position switch and ignition switch assuming the battery condition and connections are good. Note:If it doesn't apply disregard.

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Toyota Camry 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

My step sons 98 camry has a starting problem. When he attemps to start the car the ignition just clicks. For a while he was able to cycle the key several times and the car would start but now it will not start at all no matter how many time the key is cycled. I checked the fuses and they seem to be fine. Battery is fine. Not a mechanic by any means but my gut tells me that its either some kind of switch problem, brake? Or maybe the starter itself? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You!!

hi the starter has two wires on it one small one one large one.have someone assist you turn key to start position take a test light back the small wire on the starter. light is on yes starter is bad.. if no check starter relay.. brake switch..you can run 12 volts to the small wire on the starter and if eng cranks. will be one of the other things i mentioned. please vote.

when turning the ignition on there is a rapid clicking sound. I took the starter out and had it checked. It was in good condition. So, what do you think the problem is?

Did you test the battery and try a jump start?

i installed a new starter on a 92 camry.. it clicks but wont turnover checked battery alternator wires etc...still wont turnover..

If that is a fairly loud single clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank", that is typical of worn solenoid contacts. They are normally replaced when a starter is rebuilt but the contact disc on the plunger can cause that too. Very often those do not get replaced. You can verify that by checking for voltage at two places with a test light while a helper turns the ignition switch. Measure on the large terminal on the starter. There should be full battery voltage there before the ignition switch is turned, and normally it will be dimmer, but not out, during cranking.

Next, measure on the other large bolt across from that first one where the 1" braided cable is attached. It will usually be under a soft rubber gray cover. There should be no voltage there until the ignition switch is turned, then the light should be fairly bright. If it is not, the contacts are bad.

If the test light goes out completely on the first terminal when your helper turns the ignition switch, you have a dead battery or loose or dirty battery cables.