2003 Toyota Camry no crank no start

Asked by Johnathan Dec 07, 2019 at 08:08 PM about the 2003 Toyota Camry XLE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

About two weeks ago my starter started to make
funny noises so I knew it was gonna need replacing
soon. One day went to start it and nothing so I just
replaced the starter with a remanufactured Wilson
starter from pep boys. It was great for about three
days! No problems at all. Then one day after work I
went to turn the key and nothing. Thought maybe I
put the key in to fast for whatever reason so I tried
to start it again and it started! And for a few days it
would take me 2-5 key turns before my starter
would turn over. Now it will start but it just takes
way too many key turns to start and I don’t wanna
break anything else. Checked the battery cables for
corrosion and made sure all the connections on the
starter were also tight and secure. Checked the
ground wire that attaches to my car for corrosion
and it looked fine brushed it down with a wire brush
anyways. Still nothing. Took my starter back to pep
boys to be tested and it passed twice but I heard
from a co worker these tests aren’t %100 accurate.
Tried starting in neutral and tried wriggling the key
slightly in the ignition while I tried to start and still
nothing. Checked the relay and it looks good but
also heard if it was a fuse I would get nothing not
even sometimes a start. All I hear is a click then
some faint buzzing. Not sure what it is but really
need my car back. Any ideas? Maybe the starter is
bad? The last couple of times it has started it
sounds like the engine barely wants to turn over but
the before then it sounded great when I got it start
up. My car has just over 300k miles.

1 Answer

70

It's your ignition switch. Not where the key goes that just turns the cylinder and a rod activates the switch mounted on the steering column. Take the plastic kick panel off. they can be kinda tricky to replace proper adjustment needs to be set and what not. There's little room and the factory makes it somewhat difficult for the obvious. THEFT.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    34,710
  • #2
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    19,720
  • #3
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    5,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Corolla
108 Great Deals out of 2,035 listings starting at $2,795
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota RAV4
108 Great Deals out of 2,083 listings starting at $3,888
Used Toyota Avalon
4 Great Deals out of 27 listings starting at $4,988
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708
Used Lexus IS
25 Great Deals out of 311 listings starting at $5,900
Used Lexus ES
15 Great Deals out of 195 listings starting at $3,888
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $2,495
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 716 listings starting at $1,400
Used Honda CR-V
103 Great Deals out of 3,896 listings starting at $1,795

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.