QuestionI have a '96 Toyota Avalon XLS, 3.0L, 131200 mi. that is intermittently not starting. I would attempt to start in Park and/or Neutral, and it would just "click" once, no engine turning over at all. All electrical seems OK: radio on, lights bright, heater/AC fan on, etc... Often after two or three attempts, it will start right up great and run fine. Also, engine can start right away on 1st attempt with no issues, usually after it had been driven a few hours earlier. Tested battery, ended up replacing w/ new one to eliminate possible problem there. This did not solve the engine start problem. And this morning, it took 10+ tries to start. Is this indicating a problem with the solenoid and/or starter? Why would it be intermittant, and maybe getting worse? Thank you for your help.
AnswerYes, starter contacts,here, we go ahead and change the starter,but if it was mine contacts, if you remove the starter you will see a cap with three screws, remove this(cap up, starter drive down, ball bearing is down in there, remove plunger clean up everything you will see the wore out contacts, if you do this your self pay close as how you do each one take peice by peice off laying them down in order you remove them. Do one at a time. 35 min you should be good to go.
