Hey everyone,

I'm trying to help a neighbor out but really have no idea where to start. The car is a 1999 Camry LE 4-cylinder. A little over 100k, doesn't look like it was maintained very well. It has coolant which looks a bit dirty but its there, temp is fine, has oil, battery seems ok. Right before they got home just now they said the car started smoking and felt hot. By the time I looked at it there was not any smoke but it did smell, like burnt plastic, or burnt oil...very strong. I also noticed fresh oil drips under the differential (???) to the right of the block. I've never worked on a camry before but it's right above (as in NORTH) of the cruise control. Smelled very bad and the label of the part was burnt to a crisp, hence my not being able to ID it. But the diff dip stick is right there so I'm assuming its the diff. Fluid seemed ok in there too...maybe bluish?? So now the car won't start. Barely cranks and nothing happens when throttle is applied. Any ideas? Anything I should be looking for?

Thank You in advance!

 

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Thanks for your help Joey,

I was able to determine it was the starter. Starter burnt out somehow, even popped some kind of plug out the bottom. All is well, neighbor is happy. If anyone knows possible reasons as to how this could happen feel free to post.

Thanks Again,

Yuriy