Hi,
I'm new and I need help.
I have a 96 Camry LE that I just got inspected in July (this should eliminate any worn belt issues) and had the oil changed at the same time. I noticed immediately that the idle was "rougher" after the oil change. I know this may be a coincidence but I thought I would mention it.
I went out to cold start the car a few weeks later and it will start, it will crank and start to turn over and then it just cuts off. It's like it can't get any gas or keep going. (I am not a mechanic can you tell? O)

I have waited and tried again for 2 days and no luck.
1 person thinks it could be a fuel filter blocking the gas, after reading this forum I find that unlikely.

I am hoping for something simple like a fuse or distributor wire problem?
I don't want to pay to have it towed to the dealer and have it be a 10.00 fix I could have done with the right service manual.
Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks!

Your description is not clear, but if the starter is what is cutting out and not completing turning your engine, then it sounds like you need to replace your starter or your starter relay. It is an easy job on your car. The starter is sitting right by the battery and the starter relay is in the box by the battery. The relay is cheaper.

If you have an voltohmmeter, you can test the relay by looking at the voltage on the starter solenoid relative to the chassis ground when you try and start it. If you get a constant 12 volts when you turn the key to start and nothing happens, it's your starter. If you don't get a constant 12 volts with the ignition key on the start position and only get 12 v when you hear the starter cranking the engine, then it is probably the starter relay.

If your starter is working fine, then it is a much more complex problem. Sounds like an ignition problem. I would have it towed to a mechanic and let him diagnose the problem. Is your "Check Engine" light on? If so, it will give the mechanic a good hint where to start.

As an interim measure, make sure all your wires in the ignition system are tight. Follow the circuits from the plugs (top of the engine by where you add oil) as far as you can and make sure all the connections are good.

If your starter is working fine, then it is a much more complex problem. Sounds like an ignition problem. I would have it towed to a mechanic and let him diagnose the problem. Is your "Check Engine" light on? If so, it will give the mechanic a good hint where to start.

As an interim measure, make sure all your wires in the ignition system are tight. Follow the circuits from the plugs (top of the engine by where you add oil) as far as you can and make sure all the connections are good.

Thanks so much Brian. That is the direction that I needed. I will check the starter and if that is not it I will spend the money to have it towed.
Cindy
Virginia Beach, VA