2003 Camry 4cyl won't turn over when driven long enough to warm up

Asked by Rembrandt May 25, 2014 at 03:25 PM about the 2003 Toyota Camry XLE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After driving 5-20 miles, try to start after parking for an hour and it won't crank at all - just totally dead. Let sit for a few hours or more and it cranks normally and starts immediately. In the meantime, all accessories and electronics seem to work just as they would if there was no problem at all. New battery tests fine.No indication of starter dragging. Help!

3 Answers
1,230

BW answered 9 years ago

Seems to indicate a problem with the starter. The starter draws much more power to crank the engine than minimally powered devices such as lights, accessories, etc.. Normal operating temperature heat affects a starter adversely in a weakened condition, or sometimes it can be a condition known as 'heat soak'. Heat soak is a condition where a heat source such as the exhaust is too close to the starter causing an overheated condition, explaining why the car starts again after it cools down. More likely though, if there have been no changes to the exhaust, including leaks that could blow directly on the starter, it would be a weak starter. My bet is you need a starter.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Rembrandt answered 9 years ago

BSling's answer cured my problem. A new starter was the answer, and the car is fine now.

Mark helpful

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