Expert: Skip Bollinger - 10/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: It is 1995 Toyota Camry (4Cyln, automatic). Resently I replaced the batter, as per the mechanics advice, since it was not starting. After replacing the battery, car ran for 1 day. Then it needed jump-start to start the engine. Again it ran fine for 3 days without any trouble (i use to drive in the morning & evening). On weekend, I parked it for 24 hrs and latter it didn't start. Even jump-start didn't worked to make it start. My doubt was something could be causing the battery to discharge while the ignition is off (key is taken out). But in this case, the jump start should have worked.. so I am confused, what could be the reason.
Also, today I discovered that Air Filter Intake Hose is damaged. What problem the damage Intake hose cause? Can I just seal it suing stick-tape?
Please guide.. what could be cause of failure?
Thanks - Santo.

ANSWER: Santo,
  It seems as if you have a drain on the battery or some dirty connections. Please remember, I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a Tech but will give you some things to think about.
  Your car is 12 years old. Are all the connections at the battery, ground cable to the engine, alternator and starter clean? They must be very clean. The cables cannot have "green powder" coming out of the insulation or around the connections. It could be just a bad cable.
  Have the battery charged and tested. It could be defective. Have the alternator tested once you get a good charged battery in the car. You can do this at most major Parts chains such as O'Reilly Auto Parts or Advance Auto Parts. Just drive the car there and have them test it in the parking lot.
  I doubt if you have a wiring problem unless you have a lot of mice in your neighborhood. Why don't we just begin with what I have suggested, Okay? If you don't find any problems, send me another letter. Now to the air intake problem....
  The Air Intake problem is probably just old age. YES it can cause driveability problems. It can really mess with the Air Intake Charge Sensor and the Mass Air Flow Sensor. NO, you cannot just tape it up, you need to replace the hose. It is available from a company called Dorman Products under part number 696-700. Again, try the auto parts stores I have listed above. I have no idea on price since I'm at home. If you want me to quote a price, send me another letter to All Experts.
  Santo, I know I have not given you very good information but I have given you some things to look at. I hope it helps. Good luck, brother and thank you for the question.
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir, thank you much for your valued tips.
I will replace the Intake Hose.
Yesterday I did "charging system inspection" of my car and they said its the problem of the Starter and need to replace it.
My question now is, does 1995 Toyota Camry (4 Cyln. automatic 2.2L engine) has Starter with inbuilt Solenoid? Or does it has separate solenoid & starter separately? Because I still doubt if it is really problem with starter or just the fault in Solenoid...
Thanks for your time.
-Santo.

Answer
Santo,
  I looked at the starter for your car today at the store and it is a gear reduction starter with the solenoid built into it.
  Once you get the starter off your car, have them test it and notice how many amps it draws. It should be no more than 250. Good luck..
Skip