1997 Toyota Corolla Not Starting...Starter, Battery Cables or Belts?

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Leo and Sara H

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I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla DX 1.6;
Around September 2009, I would turn the key and the lights would come on, the radio would turn on but the starter would click and the car wouldn't start; After a few tries, the car would start just fine.

A friend of mine and I pulled the starter and got it tested; the starter was FINE.
Then we noticed corrosion on the battery terminals (DUH!) and we cleaned it and the car was fine.

In December 2009, the car started acting out...I poured baking soda on the battery and terminals and that fixed some.

Now the car is doing it again, I pulled the battery, cleaned the terminals and the posts, checked the battery and it's all fine.

Here's one thing the car is also doing: There's a squealing noise, belt noise, when I start the car and when I'm just accelerating, then it goes away.
Sometimes when I'm pulling out of a parking spot or making turns off the driveways or parking garage in slow speeds, the battery light on my dash comes on and my steering wheel becomes stiff;

Also after I cleaned the terminals and tested the battery, I tried to start and it started faster, but still won't start on the first try.
One of the tries the starter engaged and kept on going even after the key was turned off. Then it stopped.
But the car starts it just takes a few tries but there is this squealing noise that some websites say it's a slipping belt. Could that belt cause this issue?
 
Did you clean all the charging system connections from the battery , starter, alternator and the engine block ground and all the grounds one by one with a wire brush etc?I'am sure part of your problem is the charging system connections , also the main positive and negative thick wires that go to the battery , starter, alternator and engine block ground could require a replacement.Sometimes a pulley will have play in it's bearings and that will cause the pulley to slightly wobble and that could cause belt noises etc too.

When you mentioned the vehicle's starter stayed engaged awhile that to me tell me that you change change the starter solenoid.The low idle or battery light issue could be related to rust or corrosion or a loose alternator belt ans I'd actually change that belt or the fault could be the alternator or faulty voltage regulator but sine you mention that the belt squeals or slips that could be just why at times the battery light comes on.





Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way I'd buy some of the jell used for protecting the charging system etc connections , plus I'd be sure that the fuel filter is changed and perform a basic tune up on that vehicle too.
 
Did you clean all the charging system connections from the battery , starter, alternator and the engine block ground and all the grounds one by one with a wire brush etc?I'am sure part of your problem is the charging system connections , also the main positive and negative thick wires that go to the battery , starter, alternator and engine block ground could require a replacement.Sometimes a pulley will have play in it's bearings and that will cause the pulley to slightly wobble and that could cause belt noises etc too.

When you mentioned the vehicle's starter stayed engaged awhile that to me tell me that you change change the starter solenoid.The low idle or battery light issue could be related to rust or corrosion or a loose alternator belt ans I'd actually change that belt or the fault could be the alternator or faulty voltage regulator but sine you mention that the belt squeals or slips that could be just why at times the battery light comes on.





Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way I'd buy some of the jell used for protecting the charging system etc connections , plus I'd be sure that the fuel filter is changed and perform a basic tune up on that vehicle too.
 
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