Problem Starting my 87 GTS

**Wonderz** · 04-08-2008, 02:00 PM

I picked up a GTS a couple weekends ago, and have been using it as a daily driver with no problems until yesterday.

When i was ready to head home from work and tried to start my car, it would not turn over. I checked everything in the car (PW, Sunroof, Lights etc) and they all worked, however the Battery charge was lower then normal (around 11amps) After trying to start the car 5 or 6 times it finaly turned over.

I drove home parked the car, Turned it off and tried starting it again. The car started with no problems.

The n thismorning when i was going to head to work, the car wouldn't start again. Once again after 3 or 4 times the car did start. and once again the Battery charge was lower then normal.

I think that it could just be the Battery that is starting to go. but I thought i would check on teh fourms to see what other people had to say before i spend $80 on a new Battery.

**88CaliCelica** · 04-08-2008, 11:12 PM

I would suggest getting a load test on the battery before you buy a new one. But it could also be the starter, if the engine is not turning over at all, try lightly tapping the starter with a hammer, it could be the starter.

**Wonderz** · 04-09-2008, 12:04 AM

I know it’s not the Starter (I've had that go before) but I think I may have found the culprit.

Someone had switched my Doom light from Off to Door. And the Door function does not work. (Not sure what is wrong with it but when I got it, it was set to off and i have always left it there)

But if that does not work I am going to Take the Battery out (after it is charged) and let it sit over night to see if it can hold a charge. If it doesn't then it is the battery, if it does then something in the car is drawing more power then it should when the car is turned off.

hoping taht will work at least

**Rick89GTS** · 04-17-2008, 08:12 PM

If it's not the battery then it's most likely the classic 4th Gen intermittent/no start problem. We've all had it but there is a field-tested solution for you. Check out the write-up at st162.com I'll try to find a direct link for you...

**Rick89GTS** · 04-17-2008, 08:14 PM

Ok, here's the direct link: 4gcelica.org / st162.com :: View topic - 4th Gen Starter Problems

**Wonderz** · 04-17-2008, 10:42 PM

Thanks for the Link and the Help, as it turns out it is my Battery. So I am picking up a new one this weekend

**Rick89GTS** · 04-18-2008, 12:45 AM

Good, battery is easier to just replace. You might wanna also join up at st162.com all the 4th Gen'ers hang out there.

PS - is it a GT or GTS that you have?

**Tezmaster** · 04-25-2008, 09:02 PM

Well i had the same problem ... and all you have to do is get new conntacts. I work at a toyota Dealer ship .... just get new contacts it will solve ur problem .. also make sure you got proper ground fr om the alternator and tranny .. by the battery as well

04-08-2008, 02:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wonderz Location: New Westminster BC Canada Posts: 24 Join Date: Jan 2008 Last On: 06-27-2008 10:51 PM Vehicle: 1987 Ccelica GT	Problem Starting my 87 GTS I picked up a GTS a couple weekends ago, and have been using it as a daily driver with no problems until yesterday. When i was ready to head home from work and tried to start my car, it would not turn over. I checked everything in the car (PW, Sunroof, Lights etc) and they all worked, however the Battery charge was lower then normal (around 11amps) After trying to start the car 5 or 6 times it finaly turned over. I drove home parked the car, Turned it off and tried starting it again. The car started with no problems. The n thismorning when i was going to head to work, the car wouldn't start again. Once again after 3 or 4 times the car did start. and once again the Battery charge was lower then normal. I think that it could just be the Battery that is starting to go. but I thought i would check on teh fourms to see what other people had to say before i spend $80 on a new Battery.

04-08-2008, 11:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
88CaliCelica Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 33 Join Date: Mar 2008 Last On: 12-13-2008 12:51 PM	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS I would suggest getting a load test on the battery before you buy a new one. But it could also be the starter, if the engine is not turning over at all, try lightly tapping the starter with a hammer, it could be the starter. __________________ Drive Fast, Take Chance's

04-09-2008, 12:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
Wonderz Location: New Westminster BC Canada Posts: 24 Join Date: Jan 2008 Last On: 06-27-2008 10:51 PM Vehicle: 1987 Ccelica GT	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS I know it’s not the Starter (I've had that go before) but I think I may have found the culprit. Someone had switched my Doom light from Off to Door. And the Door function does not work. (Not sure what is wrong with it but when I got it, it was set to off and i have always left it there) But if that does not work I am going to Take the Battery out (after it is charged) and let it sit over night to see if it can hold a charge. If it doesn't then it is the battery, if it does then something in the car is drawing more power then it should when the car is turned off. hoping taht will work at least

04-17-2008, 08:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rick89GTS Posts: 81 Join Date: Sep 2005 Last On: 01-06-2009 11:18 PM	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS If it's not the battery then it's most likely the classic 4th Gen intermittent/no start problem. We've all had it but there is a field-tested solution for you. Check out the write-up at st162.com I'll try to find a direct link for you... Last edited by Rick89GTS : 04-17-2008 at 08:15 PM.

04-17-2008, 08:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
Rick89GTS Posts: 81 Join Date: Sep 2005 Last On: 01-06-2009 11:18 PM	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS Ok, here's the direct link: 4gcelica.org / st162.com :: View topic - 4th Gen Starter Problems

04-17-2008, 10:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Wonderz Location: New Westminster BC Canada Posts: 24 Join Date: Jan 2008 Last On: 06-27-2008 10:51 PM Vehicle: 1987 Ccelica GT	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS Thanks for the Link and the Help, as it turns out it is my Battery. So I am picking up a new one this weekend

04-18-2008, 12:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rick89GTS Posts: 81 Join Date: Sep 2005 Last On: 01-06-2009 11:18 PM	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS Good, battery is easier to just replace. You might wanna also join up at st162.com all the 4th Gen'ers hang out there. PS - is it a GT or GTS that you have?

04-25-2008, 09:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tezmaster Location: Victoria Canada Posts: 19 Join Date: Feb 2008 Last On: 04-25-2008 09:55 PM	Re: Problem Starting my 87 GTS Well i had the same problem ... and all you have to do is get new conntacts. I work at a toyota Dealer ship .... just get new contacts it will solve ur problem .. also make sure you got proper ground fr om the alternator and tranny .. by the battery as well

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