Hi all,

I just bought a used 1992 2.2L 4cyl Camry with 170,000 miles. Just had the battery cables replaced because they had a bad connection and I am experiencing an interesting problem:

On a cold start, I turn the key and nothing happens for several seconds. I can hear sort of an upward whirring sound (the kind of sound a flash charge would make on a camera). Once the whirring peaks after a couple seconds, the ignition just kicks in and the car starts no problem! If I shut the car off, and try to start it again, it works right away. This occurs on COLD STARTS ONLY!

Any ideas? Thanks for all your help.

 

Could be many things.

Use a section of wire to bypass the ign switch and starter relay to power the starter solenoid. Apply 12V DC directly to solenoid switch, this is the SMALL wire at the solenoid.

If the starter now works the issue is in the starter relay or ign switch.

If OK, test the starter solenoid. Use a jumper cable to apply 12V to the large terminal on the starter motor side of the solenoid and determine if the starter operates.

If OK, apply the same power the the battery power input side large terminal of the solenoid and retest.

The starter relay is in a plastic box, engine compartment, drivers side.