91 Camry with good battery sometimes will not turn over

This 91 Camry runs great but it's problem has me mystified. Occasionally, about 1 out of every 20 or 30 starts, it simply will not turn over. There is some battery power coming to it since the dashboard completely lights up but it does not turn over in the least. I have had the battery checked out twice and both times was told it was fine. I have replaced both battery terminals so there is no corrusion. The car can be easily jumped with no hesitation. Once it is running, everything is fine until about 20 or 30 stops later when it does it again. I cannot imagine that it could be the starter since that was replaced last spring and it starts as soon as it is jumped. Is it possible that the battery could have an internal problem that is not measured by the check of amps and volts? Anyone? Thanks! brettw7777 wrote:I have had the battery checked out twice and both times was told it was fine.


did u take it someplace and get a 'load test' done on it? thats the best way to find a battery problem.

even tho u replaced the cable ends, take them off and use a wire brush or fine grit sandpaper to clean the battery terminals and the inside of the cable ends till there shiny. then put them back on and tighten them real good. while u got the cables off, look at where the cable ends contact the wire of the cable and make sure theres full contact and the wire strands aint coroded or broken.

allso check the other end of both cables to make sure there clean and tight as well.

theres a outside chance one of the cables has a partial break or bad spot inside the insulation, especialy if there the original cables.

u can check the battery when it dont start by using a dvom. this has to be done when it wont start and its easyer if u got a helper with u. put the dvom leads on the battery terminals (not the cable ends), if its fully charged u should see around 12.6 volts or so. then hold the leads on the terminals while your helper trys to start it. if the voltage drops below 10 volts with the key in the start position, its time for a new battery. if it dont drop at all, or only drops around .1 volts or so, that would point to a cable or cable end problem.

if none of this helps, the starter motor could have a current draw problem. the starter would have to be took out and bench tested to check this. most of the parts stores will check it for free, but youll have to pull it out and take it to them. Quote:theres a outside chance one of the cables has a partial break or bad spot inside the insulation, especialy if there the original cables.


Thanks for your reply. No, I have not had a load test done. As from your quote above, I sure hope it is not the cables because you should see this car! The cables simply disappear under the engine and Toyota told me that if it was that, it would be major work to get to and replace them. I had thought about that. I will try your suggestions and see what happens. Other than the cables, battery or starter, does anyone have any other ideas on what it might be? Thanks
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