Hi guys,

On my old Ford car the starter was at the bottom, passenger side of engine. Where is the starter motor located on a 1999 Camry?

I'm hearing a very short "Zzzziiiittt" sound on cold mornings. I think it's the starter motor sticking. I also get a very faint electrical burn smell when I hear this noise. Not every start and only about a second or two in duration.

Thank you,
Bill

The starter is located at the top of the engine at the housing for the transaxle.
Does this noise happen before or after the starter engages? If after it could be the ignition switch not returning to the on position from start.

Thanks for your reply. Is that the small looking motor behind the radiator and to the right of the manifold pipes? If so, it sure is alot smaller looking than the one on my old Ford. I never would have guessed.

As to the noise, it occurs only for a second or two, immediately after the engine starts. Then, if the door is open I smell a very, very faint odor like an electrical short. No smoke. I never hear this sound when the engine is warm. The switch you mention, I assume it's located in the engine compartment?

Thank you,
Bill

The small canister looking thing you're seeing is the solenoid for the starter, it is actually much larger than you think it is. The starter motor itself is about 3 times the size of the solenoid you're seeing.

The switch mentioned is the switch that the key goes into.When you start the car make a concious effort to feel that the key returns to the on position.As for the starter motor,if you have someone try to start the car while your hand is on what you believe to be the starter motor you will feel it operate.It is smaller than the old Ford starters.

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. I do not believe that the noise is coming from the starter switch. I can hear the very quick "zzzittt" sound is originating from under the hood. After I release the key, it is located in the "on" position although I have noted that there is play in the switch.

One other thing that may be connected. Lately both myself and my passengers have been receiving a shock from the outside of the doors while exiting. As soon as a foot touches the ground and my hand touches the door to close, I get a shock. No shock is received when touching the car on approach... only exit.

Could the starter switch account for the noise under the hood and send a static charge through the outside of the car?

Thank you,
Bill