1997 Toyota Corolla

BMWOWNER

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA COROLLA

Electrical problem
1997 Toyota Corolla

This problem only happens after the car has sit overnight.
Try to start the car and it will hesitate a split second before it starts. I looked at the dash lights to see it they went out or stayed on when this happenes and they stayed on.I have checked cables, but haven't found anything.I thought I saw what appearded to be a blue flicker coming from the ignition switch this morning. Battery is new and starter is 3-4 yrs old. Any ideas? Thanks

4 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Yes, it sounds like you have a problem with the ignition switch, an intermittent short or open circuit.

I would take the car to a locksmith and have it repaired. I have installed aftermarket replacements from autoparts stores and have had bad results, besides you would have to carry an extra set of keys for the ignition.

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Friday, December 5th, 2008 AT 7:04 AM

BMWOWNER

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Looks like the ignition switch is mechanical? How would it be causing since it doesn't look like it has anything electrical?

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Friday, December 5th, 2008 AT 4:47 PM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

The ign. Switch rotates to turn electrical contacts in the housing that make contact in the accy, on, and start mode.

The switch can become worn causing it to miss the contact area or enough space could exist to cause an arc.

The fact that the lights do not dim would point to the switch and are not making contact.

I suggested a locksmith, since they can easily remove and rebuild the switch, or replace if necessary.

If it is bad, I would use a Toyota part and have it keyed, so you can use the original key.

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Saturday, December 6th, 2008 AT 9:54 AM

BMWOWNER

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19 POSTS

The ign. Switch rotates to turn electrical contacts in the housing that make contact in the accy, on, and start mode.

The switch can become worn causing it to miss the contact area or enough space could exist to cause an arc.

The fact that the lights do not dim would point to the switch and are not making contact.

I suggested a locksmith, since they can easily remove and rebuild the switch, or replace if necessary.

If it is bad, I would use a Toyota part and have it keyed, so you can use the original key.[/Quote:2cbe464359]

Thanks for the explanation.I appreciate it.

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Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 7:10 PM