So I've replaced the battery on my 2007 Camry because that's about all I know to look for. I've had this problem randomly for a while and honestly don't suspect that the battery was the problem, I'm ruling things out one by one.
I get in the car and put the key in the ignition. Console lights come on, headlights come on like normal. When I turn the key to start everything dies. There is no attempt to start, but the console lights, headlights, everything goes kapoot immediately. If I take the key out and try again...everything is still dead.
Normally when this happens in order to speed recovery I disconnect the battery for a few seconds, reconnect it and things are back on track. I put the key in, I get my console lights back, headlights come on...sometimes it starts right up like nothing happened...other times everything goes dark again and I have to repeat the process until the car actually starts. I don't "have" to disconnect the battery, but it does seem to help, but if I leave the car for 30 minutes or so and come back it may have healed itself.
Again, when this happens the car isn't even trying to start. Almost like an electrical short or something, soon as I turn the key boom.
Any thoughts, suggestions on what I might look into? No codes showing so....whatever is the problem is killing the computer before anything gets written.
Thanks in advance.
Try having the alternator load tested - any big auto parts store will do it for free (AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, etc.) If the alternator is good, check the starter next. Try whacking the starter solenoid with a stick or something and then try to start the car right after. If it starts right up, then you know the starter is the culprit.
