Just read all the posts about the starting problems with the 4th gen. I have a 1988 celica gts. But my question is why does it start sometimes and other times when I turn the key the starter doesn't even click. But after I keep trying it eventually clicks and turns over. Sometimes it takes a couple minutes or an hour. I'm confused because it seems like everyone else that had a starting problem at least hears a clicking from the starter. Does this mean the starter is just bad? Also... I work on cars and bikes pretty often but I don't know much about starters and can't seem to find out where it even is I'm this car. Is it I'm the front left under the alternator? Can it be taken out without a jack? I just moved and its In storage
usually the gts's are fine, just do the simple starter relay and you should be fine, i havent had that problem since
Hey Brandon, Welcome to our nightmares... I had the exact same issue with my '87 GTS (3sge, auto)...it was the starter...for a while I could smack it with a bar and it would work... It's located under the exhaust manifold and it's much easier to replace if you take the mani and other brackets, etc off. This would probably be a good time the check out and tighten up, gaskets, etc...When I did mine I found several huge crackes on the underside of the stock exhaust mani, which were leaking pretty bad; this is a common issue on our motor. I had it repaired and its holding up fairly well (I recently found a pristine one at the boneyard but havent put it on yet). The heat from the exhaust is real close to the starter so be sure to use both shields if they're still there. There' s a lot of info on this forum pertaining to the starter and various "patches". Personally mines been converted over to push-button starting years ago due to other ignition switch issues... Vicdat
Its just a little irritating when your stuck at costco for an hour trying to start it. I feel... stupid. Ive been hitting the wrong thing trying to get it to turn over haha. I've wanted to install a push start for a while now. Also anyone know of any place online to buy a gas door cover?
You need to install a relay for your starter - plenty of threads in the tech section. Also remove and clean/grease the starter I just threw out a fuel cover, best is to put up a wanted ad, plenty of guys with stripped cars selling bits.
Is there any way to do the relay mod without taking off the manifold? I bout all the stuff to do it and I dont really feel like taking it off and replacing gasket.
If you want to remove your starter motor, you don't have to remove the manifold, you can work around it. You may need to remove the oil filter and you should be able to slide it out that way. Be sure to unhook your battery to be safe. If you're just doing the relay, you don't have to remove any parts. Just disconnect the connectors above the tranny and tap into the wires. I just got the appropriate connectors and it plugged right into the wires without splicing or soldering. The relay thread shows the info and pics but post up again if you're unclear on anything.
how do I know what wires to use? everything I looked at showed how to do it with the manifold off so its hard to tell.
Here's how it looks standing in front of the 3SGE engine bay. Look for the black connector mounted above the tranny like in my photo. The red and yellow lines run into it. Separate the connector and wire into the exposed ends. The second pic shows the same style connector salvaged from a junker to make it easy to tap into the line, but a male and female will work just as well. Just make sure you add the thicker gauge wire.
Thank you for that. I actually just got done doing the mod. I went out and that connector was the only one standing out so I unplugged it and no start. I guess im just lucky I did it the right way. Now we wait and see....
I cant believe I held off on doing this for so long, because I thought you had to take off the manifold. Thanks again!
