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2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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New User
Mar 30, 2023, 9:44 AM
Post #1 of 7
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2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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2002
Toyota
Corolla
4-CYL
200k?
Background: The car ran fine. However, I didn't need to drive it anymore, so, several months ago, I parked it and disconnected the battery. Months later, (a couple of weeks ago,) I decided to verify that it was still in good, working condition. So, I reconnected the battery and tried to start it. It did not start.
I assumed the battery must have decayed, so I tried jump-starting it. It still did not start. The console lights came on but it didn't even try to turn over. Today, I returned to try to troubleshoot the problem.
Troubleshooting: The voltage at the battery was 12.08. I reconnected the battery cable, verifying that the connections at both terminals were tight. Tried to start it, it would not start. Console lights came on; headlights worked; radio worked; fan worked. Would not start. I pushed the brake, took it out of park and put it back in securely, held the brake--it would not start.
The voltage at the battery of my other vehicle was 12.5. I tried jump-starting the Corolla, same failure. I hear a click while sitting inside the vehicle (the solenoid?) and some sort of faint power sound coming from the engine compartment (fuel pump?), but the starter doesn't crank at all. After I disconnected everything, I checked the voltage at the battery again and it was at 12.5 this time (though I didn't try to start it after checking, so I don't know if it was just temporarily holding the charge from the other battery.)
My guess: I'm thinking perhaps the starter is bad?
My confusion: I can understand a battery decaying while parked, but why would a starter stop working while parked with no load on it? I suppose it could have corroded--I do live in Louisiana.
My questions: (1) Am I correct in suspecting the starter, or is there a more obvious culprit? (2) Is there an easy way of checking whether the problem is the starter without completely removing it and taking it to an auto shop?
(This post was edited by ad on Mar 30, 2023, 9:47 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 30, 2023, 10:23 AM
Post #2 of 7
(1087 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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"Months later?" how many and what exposed to? Moisture still an issue with time.
Some tests if you can include......if you think starter is even trying it should make some kind of solid click.
So AYOR whack on it's body (the starter's), a love tap see if any changes. Try a little harder you risk busting the thing this could work?
99% of everything puts solenoid on top of starters has to throw out a gear to flywheel/flex plate gear then powers it to turn which is doesn't sound like.
IDK > If you wish and can where it is, remove it the drive gear if off car may be stuck. You AYOR again can jump just a starter off car with jumping it but it will want to fly away from you use a vice or helper hold it.
That slides out the small gear bet isn't sliding if it doesn't throw it outwards.
While off you may be able to also just pry on the larger gear see if engine turns either way then the other that engine is free to turn.
CONNECTIONS WITH GOOD POWER IN CAR SHOULD BE WIRE BRUSHED UP, ELECTRIC GREASED AND SNUG. Tight alone isn't the game totally. Off car it would (normally) do its thing no load on it - follow me?
Few months it should turn engine or make a hard snap noise trying I don't think it is.
Battery voltage alone seems OK it's under load while starter works that counts. That's amps but also if locked and working volts would plummet/drop or solenoid would ratchet away "flutter" not enough power or too hard to turn it's one or the other.
Now making it run is later after it turns if it doesn't run,
Tom
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Mar 30, 2023, 10:54 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 30, 2023, 10:42 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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The first thing you need to do is put a socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft bolt and see if you can turn the engine by hand before targeting the starter or anything else.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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New User
Mar 30, 2023, 11:01 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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"Months later?" how many and what exposed to?
Six months; parked outside, exposed to Louisiana heat, rain, etc.
if you think starter is even trying it should make some kind of solid click.
There is no repeated clicking, only the initial click when turning the key.
So AYOR whack on it's body
Ok, will try.
CONNECTIONS WITH GOOD POWER IN CAR SHOULD BE WIRE BRUSHED UP, ELECTRIC GREASED AND SNUG. Tight alone isn't the game totally.
I'll check that again too.
Few months it should turn engine or make a hard snap noise trying I don't think it is.
Correct--no hard snap noise.
(This post was edited by ad on Mar 30, 2023, 11:06 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 30, 2023, 11:13 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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Try all. I was rushing sorry had to be somewhere. LA, had family there OMG rain, humid, hot etc.
Still think the drive isn't finishing to make the solenoid do two things. Push it out, AND it completes connection to battery at the same time.
Those can w miles/this much time grease was long gone stick or impossible to free up.
If engine can crank by crank (thought this one was tight to do that thru wheel well?) maybe another - I forget now.
Thanks for saying where and outside + time and miles on it.
LA is otherwise easy on cars IMO but were at least covered and dry.
Remember this is just make it crank I doubt it's going to run well if does - take that up later, Tom
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 30, 2023, 3:29 PM
Post #7 of 7
(1053 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Corolla won't start
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Take the battery to a parts store and have it tested and charged. While you are there get a battery terminal cleaner and clean the cables and posts until they are shiny and give it another shot
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