Car won't start

[mlogan]

2002 Toyota Camry won't start. Engine will not turn over, makes no sounds at all. Dash lights and radio turn on. Two days ago I had the same issue and was able to jump it and take it to a show. I had corrosion cleaned off the battery, and it began working again. When I tried to jump it today it would not jump at all. Anyone know what the issue might be? Battery is fairly new, purchased back in March.

 

[razel]

Hard to tell. You could have a parasitic draw somewhere... eg. trunk light, vanity light stays on, cheap Chinese USB cigarette adapter shorted internally. Or your alternator is not charging your battery effectively.

One thing to be mindful of that you can control. Anytime you need to jump start your car you MUST charge the battery as soon as you can. Battery's at very low charge sulfates and you'll end up having to buy another one. Easiest way to get it out of the danger sulfation level is to drive it on the freeway at speed for at least an hour or even 45 minutes. It doesn't have to be continuous, 22 to 30 mins one way then back is fine. That won't be enough to fully charge the battery which I recommend doing, but that is best done with a battery charger... or actually a long trip. Once you get home, check it's acid levels and top it off with distilled water. If the acid level is below the top of the plates, it's too late.

After you get it out of the danger zone, best thing to do is to go to an auto parts store or your local mechanic and have them test the battery/alternator. Best of luck.

 

[cabri]

Also, the starter could have a flat spot.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yes, get your charging system tested for free at Auto Zone / Advanced Auto, etc.

If you have a multi-meter, you can do some basic voltage testing yourself to see what voltage you have at the battery with the engine off and with the engine running.

 

[Bartman39]

I had corrosion cleaned off the battery, and it began working again.

Think this is a clear indicator of what the issue might be...? A battery clamp or connection of some sort would be the issue...?

 

[LTC8K6]

Possibly the other end of the battery cables is loose?

 

[sontakke]

Does 2002 model have the same Denso starter as 1997-2001? If so, the contacts on them burn out. Google Camry starter contact. Also tap the starter with wooden mallet if you can get to it. There is also starter relay which could go bad but at least on the previous generation of Camry it is usually the starter contacts which are culprit.

 

[RLGL]

Does 2002 model have the same Denso starter as 1997-2001? If so, the contacts on them burn out. Google Camry starter contact. Also tap the starter with wooden mallet if you can get to it. There is also starter relay which could go bad but at least on the previous generation of Camry it is usually the starter contacts which are culprit.

You do NOT want to hit starters with anything. The magnets inside can crack or fragment. When this happens the starter is junk.

 

[tortillasoup]

2002 Toyota Camry won't start. Engine will not turn over, makes no sounds at all. Dash lights and radio turn on. Two days ago I had the same issue and was able to jump it and take it to a show. I had corrosion cleaned off the battery, and it began working again. When I tried to jump it today it would not jump at all. Anyone know what the issue might be? Battery is fairly new, purchased back in March.

You have to put a battery charger on it. "Boosting" isn't really a solution. Depending on the charge rate, it will take several hours to charge the battery. In fact, you'll need to wait over night to fully charge the battery. Charging at faster than about 8amps will damage the battery. It's entirely possible your battery is old and needs replacement anyway so charging may be a waste of time. I say MAY because you might have a alternator/charging issue, perhaps dirty electrical grounds or something.

 

[LTC8K6]

You do NOT want to hit starters with anything. The magnets inside can crack or fragment. When this happens the starter is junk.

It's just a good tap to see if the starter begins working. You don't hit it hard.

Had an old Satellite Sebring that needed an occasional starter rap to make it crank, was too cheap to replace the starter.

I used a short piece of 2X4.