2002 Toyota Camry, 64K miles. No previous symptoms. After a long drive, I stopped two minutes, then tried to restart the car. Nothing. Electric systems got a little screwy: windows wouldn't go down, clock and radio stations reset, automatic shifter stuck, as did key (wouldn't come out of ignition). Strange. But then all that stuff started working again (100% ok), but car still wouldn't start. At this point, I'd get a metallic staccato sound, but no turning over. Jump start worked perfectly, car drove home perfectly (note: it was night at this point, and my headlights were on) EXCEPT when I flicked my brights for a sec. Mayhem ensued...car kept running, but laggy/weird, and speedometer went dead and random dashboard lights went on. After a few minutes, all returned to normal. I got home, parked, shut off car, and tried to restart (headlights off, of course). Nothing. Is this alternator? thanks!!!
posted on Sep 4, 2008 - 20 answers

Why won't my car start? [more inside]
posted on Aug 20, 2008 - 25 answers

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