Do I need a new car battery or alternator or starter or exorcist?

[RossMAN]

My (salvage titled) 1994 Toyota Corolla DX started acting up yesterday, it wouldn't start on the first or second try. After 3-4 attempts and/or waiting 30 minutes it would start up just fine.

Turn the key I could hear a click all the lights on the dashboard light up, and I don't hear the engine crank.

I hope it's not something serious and costly. How do I know if it's simply a battery issue?

Someone told me to go to Les Schwab and they'll check the battery for free.

 

[Croton]

get the battery checked out if it's free.

 

[RossMAN]

So does it sound like that's the culprit?

 

[CraigRT]

Sounds like maybe a starter solenoid problem or starter connection problem.

it probably can't engage the starter motor, it's trying to (engaging the solenoid) but the starter does not turn.. which is exactly what the clicking is.

the clicking is the solenoid going forward and engaging into the teeth of the gear which it uses to crank the engine. i'd get the wiring checked out.. there is a bad connection somewhere.. whether the motor is faulty or not, the fault would be a bad connection IMO.

 

[woodie1]

If you turn the key and get nothing more than a click the battery is dead.

Why it is dead could be battery or the charging system. More data needed.

 

[Vincent]

If your battery were dead, it shouldn't start at all. I don't know anything about cars, but you might want to check the starter.

 

[Thegonagle]

Could be the battery. Sometimes they have plates just break and while they still provide some voltage, they can't supply enough current (amps) to run the starter.

More likely, it's the starter, or the starter relay, if that's a separate component. I think that in your car, it s probably integrated with the starter solenoid (the thing that electro-magnetically engages the starter gear to the flywheel.)

 

[FreeAgent]

It sounds to me like a starter problem (hense the click you described). The fact that it started up fine after says to me it may also be another problem. Go to any Advance Auto Parts or a plce you know of where thsy will give you a complete charging system test. It could also be related to the cold weather if thats what you are having where you are.

Testing at most auto places is free and most test ignition control modules too.

 

[StageLeft]

The old car I bought a few weeks back started when I took it for a test drive. I promptly stalled it and upon trying to restart all that would happen was the dashboard lights would go on and I'd get a bunch of clicking. The culprit turned out to be a VERY old battery. That was it. We jumped the car and brought it to a battery place. They tested it there and replaced the battery. Since then no problems. Maybe it's the alternator and it isn't charger the battery, but then if the thing runs once it's started I think the alternator is needed to drive the car isn't it? Well anyway I don't know much except to say I had the same problem and it was only the battery. Bring it to a battery shop and they can instantly check if the battery is bad. If so replace and you're set; if not it's something more.

 

[RossMAN]

How much does it cost to fix the starter or get a new one?

 

[Thegonagle]

Starter should be $100-200 for a rebuilt if you can install it your self. If you can't, have a friend help. They're easy. Or take it in and the labor should probably be about an hour (it is on most cars).


EDIT: in bold

 

[FreeAgent]

Starter costs very by year, make and model. You can call any parts store for pricing info.
Starters range from $30-$200. Yours won't cost more than $100.

Factor in the core charge and sales tax. I don't know what it would cost to have one put in maybe $100 plus part.