Turn Key not start 2000 Camry
 

For the past month - every third time I try to start there is nothing. Lights and electrical are good. I checked voltage and load check on battery and cleaned. Also, thought of the neutral safety switch check - put in park or wiggle shift. Doesn't seem to make a difference - -if i just turn the key 3, 4 times it will start. Then it might start all the next day with no problem. This is crazy. Any ideas

Have you tried putting neutral?

When turning the key to start, do the dash Icon lights dim or go out.

Yea, as said in original message - I tried the "in neutral" approach, it started, but it also starts when I do not touch the shift column and try two or three times. Strangely - my auto lock key fob locking started acting up about the same time as the starting problem appeared. Any connection you think?

Does the key FOB have remote start?

What happens when the engine doesn't start? What does "nothing" mean? You turn the key and absolutely nothing happens. No change in dash icon lights, radio does not stop playing, no clicking sound or other noises, etc.

Or what happens is the same thing as if the trans was not in Park or Neutral?

Thanks for the reply! No, the key fob does not have a remote start. "Nothing" means, when I turn the key there is no sound at all, no clicking, nothing at all. And no change in any electrical lights - everything stays strong. I was suspicious of the neutral safety switch, so I started starting without touching the shift column at all, and it starts after two or three turns. This no start happens randomly. Today, no problem at all. Yesterday it happened once first thing in the morning, and happened once coming out of a store and restarting to get home.

I'll stay with this thing and report findings when it gets resolved

If your handy with auto repairs. Find the starter motor and the locate the SMALL single wire that plugs into the starter solenoid. This wire comes from the starter relay and is controlled by the ign key. When powered the solenoid is activated.

The next time the engine does not crank over, jump this terminal with 12v DC from the battery and determine if the engine cranks.

FINALLY - - this mystery showed it's hand. The starter. Two days ago when I turned the key , for the first time I heard a whining sound, like a disengaged clutch. That was the solenoid.
I did the classic, hammer the solenoid, and bam - - it started. Actually, I am relieved. Changed it out today. Now up and working. I was so sure this was electrical, or ignition switch.

Great job, thanks for posting back with the fix.