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86,87,88,89,90,91 Camry Starter/Ignition Switch
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binthere222
New User
Nov 27, 2006, 10:26 AM
Post #1 of 2
(3249 views)
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86,87,88,89,90,91 Camry Starter/Ignition Switch
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I have seen MANY msgs posted on various starting problems requiring lots of replacements of batteries, starters, solenoids, ignition switch, neutral safe switch etc.
Here is the answer:
It is the hidden fusible link wire (FL)which runs from the 80 amp FL mounted on the positive battery post.
Open the plastic door on the rear of the clamp/FL box. This reveals a 10mm lug which secures a round terminal. Beneath that round terminal is a smaller one which secures the fusible link wire. cut back about 6 inches of the shrink wrap and you will see how the FL is clipped to the white wire which then runs to the starter switch under the steering column. A ciontinuity test on this 4 inch beauty may show that it is good but IT MAY NOT BE.
Since Acid and water run down the loose insulation of the FL, the copper is highly oxidized and may be broken, but since the plastic sheath retains acid, water, copper oxide and other conducting particles. this link will fail intermittently.
Clip it out and sloder in a section of similar wire. All my problems went away instantly.
Even an unexpected problem went away. My batter had been taking about 3 weeks to drain. Tests show NO drain across the fused circuits or the battery terminals. !! ?? that was odd. It turns out that the interior light circuit on toyotas automatically kicks in to charge a condensor which then slowly dims the interior lights WHENEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED OFF. That includes if the FL conducts AND THEN stops conducting. No more battery drain after replacing this little toyota moneymaker.
Also have seen many posts regarding the car not starting after it has run warm for awhile. I suspect that this too is due to the intermittent nature of the FL connection after the electrolytic soup in the FL sheath is warmed up and/or the sheath stretches a bit.
Good luck and a spin salute to the obsolescence engineers at TOYOTA who thought this one up and never told us about it. I wonder how many people have been stranded in the middle of nowhere because of this one.
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steve01832
Veteran
Nov 28, 2006, 4:11 AM
Post #2 of 2
(3245 views)
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Re: 86,87,88,89,90,91 Camry Starter/Ignition Switch
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Great job. A little research on the techs' part can save a lot of time and money chasing phantom problems. Thanks for the post.
Steve
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