My Camry wouldn't start one night after grocery shopping, tried to jump start a cpl times, left it overnight 'cuz two times in previous 2 weeks it did nothing after turning key, then leaving it for a day or two, it would start again. Live in Dallas-Fort Worth area so attrib it to hi heat and not driving the car much (have a cpl other more modern cars, just like the Camry manual trans, fun to drive). Anyway, tried your tip about knocking on solenoid, then tried to bypass solenoid, still would not start. Finally started by push-starting after store closed late and there weren't many cars in the lot (which I know I shouldv done to begin with). Got it home but a number of electrical components DO NOT work: Speedometer, odometer, pwr windows, radio, fan, A/C, turn signals. The car drove fine once started, lights work, door locks work, bunch of other stuff doesn't. Battery is 1 year old Interstate battery, solenoid about 2 yrs old replaced by a dealer shop. Was going to start with fuses, then relays, not exactly sure how to test relays (gotta look that one up). Is there a chance resetting using your "10 Watt 1 Ohm resistor idea" would help, or disconnecting battery then reconnecting to reset, or should I be thinking more along line of fupped-duck components?
You could also reset the computer by just disconnecting the battery for 20 or 30 minutes, but before doing that you might want to scan it for any stored codes.
The fact that you were able to push start it points to there being a problem with the starter, battery, or cables, but hopefully that did not result in a surge that wiped out computer modules causing accessories and instruments to stop working. Obviously check fuses and there may also be a fusible link involved (@jack62 might know).
If it comes down to it you would need a fancy professional-grade scan tool like Scotty uses to check the modules. Only a well equipped shop or a stealership is going to have that kind of equipment.
Thanks for your reply. I don't have a scanner, can you recommend one I can get on Amzn maybe that isn't too expensive? One fellow at an oil change place I went to said he got one for $20, didn't say what brand. Should I just check reviews?
Scans are free at any major auto parts store. Have the alternator and battery load tested as well while you're there.
Replace the ignition switch.
Thanks for your reply. I don't have a scanner, can you recommend one I can get on Amzn maybe that isn't too expensive?
Check the "Under $100 section" in the "Which scan tool should I get" post near the top of the page. However an inexpensive scanner will not be capable of testing your computer modules. A scan tool that can check your car's modules costs at least several hundred dollars. The really fancy scan tools that Scotty uses in many of his videos that can do bidirectional testing cost thousands of dollars.