2003 Camry 4cyl won't turn over when driven long enough to warm up

Asked by Rembrandt May 25, 2014 at 03:25 PM about the 2003 Toyota Camry XLE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After driving 5-20 miles, try to start after parking for an hour and it won't crank at all - just totally dead. Let sit for a few hours or more and it cranks normally and starts immediately. In the meantime, all accessories and electronics seem to work just as they would if there was no problem at all. New battery tests fine.No indication of starter dragging. Help!

3 Answers

1,230

Seems to indicate a problem with the starter. The starter draws much more power to crank the engine than minimally powered devices such as lights, accessories, etc.. Normal operating temperature heat affects a starter adversely in a weakened condition, or sometimes it can be a condition known as 'heat soak'. Heat soak is a condition where a heat source such as the exhaust is too close to the starter causing an overheated condition, explaining why the car starts again after it cools down. More likely though, if there have been no changes to the exhaust, including leaks that could blow directly on the starter, it would be a weak starter. My bet is you need a starter.

3 people found this helpful.

BSling's answer cured my problem. A new starter was the answer, and the car is fine now.

Your Answer:

Camry

Looking for a Used Camry in your area?

CarGurus has 1,172 nationwide Camry listings starting at $4,795.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    34,270
  • #2
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    19,180
  • #3
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    5,520
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
53 Great Deals out of 981 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Corolla
148 Great Deals out of 2,279 listings starting at $2,699
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 4,080 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota RAV4
128 Great Deals out of 3,093 listings starting at $3,900
Used Toyota Avalon
8 Great Deals out of 40 listings starting at $6,995
Used Nissan Altima
23 Great Deals out of 673 listings starting at $3,150
Used Lexus IS
17 Great Deals out of 420 listings starting at $4,400
Used Toyota Tacoma
30 Great Deals out of 726 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota 4Runner
20 Great Deals out of 538 listings starting at $7,990
Used Toyota Highlander
42 Great Deals out of 809 listings starting at $8,495
Used Lexus ES
23 Great Deals out of 211 listings starting at $5,900
Used Honda CR-V
189 Great Deals out of 5,035 listings starting at $440

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.