My wife owns a '01 Camry CE with the 2.2L 4 banger. She was starting it up today after meeting for lunch and there was a rapid clicking sound and the car wouldn't turn over. I had her do it again while looking at the engine and the clicking sound was coming from the solenoid on top of the starter. I noticed the battery terminals were very corroded. The first thing I did was clean the terminals, the I replaced the starter. Same result. Then I had the battery tested and it was almost gone. I reinstalled the original starter and got a new battery at a NAPA store near by. After installing the new battery, I get lights, radio etc.. The windows didn't go up or down and when I tried to start it I got nothing except the negtive post arched. I installed everything exactly as I took it off and the pos & neg terminals were installed right. Any ideas ??????

Thanks,

Bill

 

Im thinkin there may be an issue with the starter, I'd go back and check the wiring for that and perhaps put the new one in.

 

If the battery terminals are arching might clean them. Check the terminal connection with the cable itself plus connections to ground and starter. If OK jump the starter direct with a jumper cable. Connect the power to starter side of the solenoid. If the engine turns over try jumping the other side of solenoid then using the ign switch. This will check the solenoid and wiring between the starter and battery.

 

Had same problem recently. 99 Camry.

Our problem was with the generator cable. It was corroded at the terminal connector, under the "boot". Literally broke off in my hand. The battery wasn't getting charged.

Good luck.