Car Won't Start

[peterd]

Often when I start the car, the ignition 'clicks', like a flat battery, but after a few try's, it starts easily. I've got a 4k with a trimatic. I don't think it's the neutral safety switch because it starts after a few goes, without me touching anything or moving the shifter.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Taz_Rx]

Sticky starter motor for sure. All k one's end up doing it eventually.

[peterd]

Fair enough. Thanks

[B.L.Z.BUB]

Could it be the starter motor relay ground wearing out? Do the starter relay mod? Might be worth a go as it's cheaper than a new starter.

[rebuilder86]

i had this scenario for one month you turn the key multiple times tick tick tick and eventually it runs. My experience had told me its most likely the solenoid so i took it apart and cleaned the contacts. Still gave me issues so I replaced everything, ignition switch, battery terminals and eventually starter motor. After spending the money on the starter motor and the problem persisting, I was very upset to find that wiring can cause this issue. Turned out the wire that goes from the start position to the starter solenoid can simply wear out, the copper turns blue (oxidises) and doesn't conduct enough electricity (in the form of current/amps) untill it has been heated up with repeated cycles of low current. This changes the properties of the corroded metal for a few minutes and it starts fine for a few tries. Give it a minute and it stops working again.

[rebuilder86]

People should really refrain from using phrases such as "do the starter relay mod" or "do the points hack". We are all at differing levels of rollaclub, not everyone (in fact less rather than more) knows what these things are. At least supply a link for the gentleman. It might make you sound really cool and experienced, but that's not what makes a good forum.

[peterd]

Thanks for the help. I think it's related to hot days too, but I'm not positive. It was 36 today.

[B.L.Z.BUB]

I like to think people have the ability to use google and work stuff out for themselves, but here:

 

http://www.mk3supra.org/topic/10-guide-start-relay-mod/

 

[rebuilder86]

This is a forum, people come here for help and advice.

You are an administrator, I hope you agree that we should be the source of good information, not just links to other good information.

Please I mean no disrespect, just trying to remind people that our brains are separate and aren't necessarily on the same page and we should explain everything as clearly as possible. Mind you, I'm pretty bad at typing out a procedure.

 

Anyway, I like the idea of installing a relay to give it full battery load, but in the end, if there is something causing a current restriction, that restriction will still be there and will decay even further and needs to be addressed before it gets so bad that not even a relay will operate. That does happen eventually, in fact often faster when you run a device which doesn't draw many amps, like a relay. In the interest of saving money, id try jumping the starter solenoid direct form the battery to just test if wiring and switches is the issue.

To do this, stick a cable on the small terminal on the starter solenoid, a wire with alligator clips is ideal, and the other end, take to the battery and very quickly push it to the positive terminal. If it continuously turns over perfectly like this, then the wiring or ignition switch contacts is the issue and the relay trick or rewiring will solve your issues. If not, then the solenoid contacts in the starter solenoid are most likely worn or burnt and need to be replaced of refurbished.

 

There is also of course the issue of a slightly dead battery or bad battery terminals, but I highly doubt it.

[parrot]

That is true. But if you put starter relay mod into google, what comes up.

 

Or does Duffman spend half an hour writing it up and drawing diagrams.

[peterd]

However you look at it, I think this is an awesome forum with some really knowledgable people readily sharing everything they've learnt about old Corollas. There's no swearing and abuse you get on other forums. I'm sure some of my questions have been a bit dumb.

I bought my ke35 about two years ago to learn about mechanics. My brain isn't mechanically minded but with some great help from this forum, and some googling too, I've managed to remove and reinstall the head, rebuild the master cyclinder and proportioning valve, change the modulator and adjust the bands on my trimatic, redo the brakes and a bunch of other things. I've got a really reliable 40 year old car that drives like a new one. I'm happy with any help at all.

[Banjo]

Hi Peter,

You're welcome ! Just keep posting.

 

Cheers Banjo

[parrot]

Amen to that. Couldn't agree with you more Peterd and Banjo.

 

I started exactly the same as you, no mechanical knowledge, just an interest in cars and keen to learn. No internet in those days, actually there were no accessible computers either. Just a bunch of mates to encourage each other and make the occasional mistake.

 

That's what makes Rollaclub strong, essentially a bunch of mates with a common interest.

 

It's a place where you feel safe to stick your head above the parapet without worrying about getting shot at. If you want that plus gratuitous swearing, head across to Facebook.

[rebuilder86]

no, just saying something other than "THE SO AND SO TRICK" as if everyone reading it knows what that trick is. That's my only concern.

I did put 'starter motor relay mod' into google, but before I did that, when I first read the post, I assumed it was a mod for the starter relay as the post said quote: "Could it be the starter motor relay ground wearing out? Do the starter relay mod? "

If I was the OP, I may have started looking for my starter relay for days, only to have a mechanic tell me I don't have one.

 

PeterD, I agree! I will never own a modern car again, they are boring! Taking stuff apart and making it run when 90% of the population would simply say "ITS BROKEN" is the way to go and is my idea of happiness. When things don't work, it does test you tho:/