Help With Strange Intermittent Starting Issue!

[lorys lexus]

I have a '99 Camry V6 auto with 78K miles that is having an intermittent starting problem. It may take several key turns to the start position for the starter to begin
turning the engine. Usually nothing happens, the dash lights remain on and one attempt at look at the on dome light didn't show it dimming. One time the starter
sounded like it was slowly turning, but that has not been the norm. Once started there are no other issues.
The symptoms seem to be: If setting idle in the garage for several days and possibly cold (45 deg) it may not start. It will continue to start all day while running
various errands. If idle for a day or two it starts. The battery was initially suspect so it was replaced, but that didn't help. The alternator is putting out 14.5V.
What are other suspect areas to look at or tests to try. Thanks!

[CamReddy]

i would say that you should check into getting your ignition set changed out, its not very uncommon for something to go wrong inside of there. my car once wouldn't allow my key to turn at all(something just got stuck inside) so i went to the junkyard and ordered one (about $60) and put it in. although i have a different key to start my car than i do to unlock it, its not a big deal

the ignition set is where you slide in your key to start your car, an easy fix

the car i did this to was a 97, and you said yours was a 99, could be a similar problem

[jlspec]

Maybe your starter is going, might want to replace it. It's a cheap replacment and can be done in less then 30 min.

[Kep]

When you attempt to start it and nothing happens, is the a single "click" or multiple "clicks"? A single click indicates a bad starter. Multiple clicks usually means a low battery. Another check would be to put a voltmeter on the starter solenoid and see if you get good voltage when you turn the key. Good voltage would indicate a starter problem. Poor or no voltage would be something else, including CamReddy's possibility.

Have you checked both ends of your battery wires for clean terminals and good connections?

Kep

[Mike Gerber]

You cold also have the common starter solenoid contacts problem, especially if you are hearing 1 click as Kep mentioned, and then nothing happens. Do a search on this forum for "solenoid contacts". The problem and possible remedies have been covered many times.

Mike

[lorys lexus]

I've not heard any clicks. Battery terminals are clean, good and tight.

[longhorns1489]

i just had a problem like this on my 95 camry. it wasnt doing it very often so i just ignored it then it got to the point that it was doing it all the time. funny thing is it would only do it when i had locked the car and set the alarm with the remote. i took out the old alarm and put in a new one and havent had any problems since then