Hello, I live in NYC and the weather is cold. Every morning when I get into my car and try to start it up, the car wont start. It seems like it is not making any contact therefore no spark. However once I get it to turn on (after about 10 trys) and I warm it up, the ignition will turn on with no problems. I was wondering if anyone knows what the problem could be? Im sure its not the starter or battery.

 

check the battery for loose terminals.

Have the battery checked for charge...

check any loose engine grounds also while your at it.

 

If you have the original battery, just change it. Only $39 at Costco. Do a search here on "battery" for more details.

 

A bit of clarification is needed ..

When you turn the key to start, does the starter try to turn the engine over?
No spark --> means starter turning the engine over and even after 3~5 seconds the engine fails to run.

If the starter does not turn the engine over with reasonable rpm the problems could be in battery, wires to the starter or the starter (motor + solenoid).

If the engine is turned over by the starter and fails to catch, then the problem can be in spark and or fuel delivery and possible but unlikely the ecu, air flow metering, engine-imobilizer (wrong key).



Salim

 

the battery is brand new and i checked the battery terminals. When I turn the key, I hear a click so I believe it might be the starter.

 

If you are just getting a click when you turn the key the most likely cause is the battery. However if you already changed the battery the starter is the next most likely. Do a search on "starter" in this forum. Others have had a similiar problem and changed the starter.
Just a thought: Did you have the clicking problem, changed the battery, and still have the clicking problem? If so this pretty much eliminates the battery. Or did you change the battery for some other reason and now have the clicking problem? If the second one is true I wouldn't be to quick to rule out the battery just yet.

 

[QUOTE=volcano29]the battery is brand new and i checked the battery terminals. When I turn the key, I hear a click so I believe it might be the starter.[/QUOTE

If battery is new:

60% is the terminals. Open clean and retighten. [should not be able to twist the terminals on post]
20% battery charge is low [has poor cold cca] charge overnight even if new {batteries sit on shelf}
15% solenoid is shot. Electromagnet part works (clicking sound) but relay where the +12v is transferred to the starter motor is not working. [jump the terminals with thick wire or measure voltage across terminals when they are supposed to be shorted .. should read 0v]
4% Starter motor needs service or replacement.
1% Loose connections from battery to solenoid on +12v or gnd from battery to engine bay.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

You can eliminate or confirm it is not the top two by getting a jump with another battery.

 

check out this post from the past from someone who was getting funny noises on startup

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=123529

ended up being sludge and covered under the 8 year Toyota "good will" warranty.