Any vehicle, including the normally-reliable Toyota Camry, is bound to have maintenance issues once in a while, including difficulty starting. There are several underlying causes which may prevent the vehicle from starting, such as the starter motor, compression system or fuel delivery.
Check that the battery in your Camry is not dead. The battery will be used to power the starter motor, which is turned on with the ignition switch. A dead battery will prevent the starter motor from starting the engine. Check your battery by turning the ignition switch and turning on your windshield wipers. Wipers are run by the battery as are the headlights, dash lights, and other accessories. If the windsheild wipers are not working, your battery may be drained.
Set your car to "Park" or "Neutral" setting if you have an automatic transmission in your Camry. Safety precautions will not allow the car to turn over in other modes.
Check your engine for water damage after driving through a puddle, flood or very heavy rain. A wet ignition system will prevent the engine from starting.
Fill up your gas tank with fuel. Having little fuel inside your tank will make it difficult for the fuel injection system to function and start your car.
Replace the ignition coil in the camry's ignition system. The Toyota Camry has received poor reviews for long-lasting ignition coils over the life span of the vehicle.
Check to see which warning lights appear on your dashboard when you attempt to start the car, letting you know which system is having problems and needs further attention.
Remove the Camry's spark plugs, and inspect their condition. Test the plugs by removing the spark plug wire, and setting it on a piece of metal. Sparks should form. If they do not, the spark plugs are dead. Worn down, dead or grease-coated spark plugs will need to be replaced.
