Hey guys, I could really use some help. I have a 1995 ES300 and over the past week or so my car has hadone trouble starting. It seems if my car is sitting unused for over 10 hours or so, then the next time I try to start it, it is extremely difficult to start. When I turn the key, it won't crank, or turn over at all. I'll turn the key and I won't hear anything. If this information helps, I just got all my spark plugs replaced and I got my throttle body replaced about 2 months ago. If anyone knows what's causing this problem and could help me, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

Have you load tested the battery?

 

As 99celsior mentioned, the obvious thing is a weak battery, but make sure the battery cables are tight on the battery posts. They tend to loosen. Try to move them by hand and see if they move.

Also try to start it in Neutral.

Phil

 

Sorry about the prolonged responses! But to answer your questions, I haven't load tested the battery myself, but I just bought a brand new battery about a month ago and had it installed by my mechanic. And I've been in my car when the battery has issues. Like, when it's a dying battery, the accessories like the headlights are super dim and have a hard time staying on. Also when it's a dead battery the car will crank when I turn the key, but just not start. Whereas now, I'll try and turn the key several times. The first few times, it won't even turn over. However, the 4th or 5th turn of the key, the car starts no problem. So I don't want to rule out the possibility of a battery issue, I just feel that it may be unlikely.

 

Check the starter contacts next.

 

Or the ignition key switch!

 

I had the exact same problem. Before you turn the car off let it idle awhile. I found out that my engine was loosing track of where it was. After high revs to idle my engine would loose track of where it was. If you have a problem starting, once you get it started let it run at 2 or 3k on the tack before allowing it to idle or to find itself. This gives the motor a chance to know what position it is in. I also modified my driving by punching the gas less often and the problem have gone away.