1991 Corolla wont start

[Micahsdad]

My mother has a 91 Corolla. It has this strange problem. It wont start and it does this quite often. There is no clicking no wanting to start, nothing. I will run fine and then all of the sudden she will go out after work and nothing. Then after it does start it will work for a few days and then not work again. When you turn the key there is power inside the car with the lights and stuff but it just doesnt even attempt to turn over. Its like it is not getting that initial spark to get going. After trying it for a while it will then just mysteriously start. Any suggestions?

[Guido]

Oh it's gotta be the drive by wire system!

If it doesn't turn over yet all other electrical items work, then it's the starting system. Either a cable is loose that isn't always making contact, or the starter itself has a bad internal connection. If it happens again try giving the starter a nice "tap" with a wooden stick or something.

If it's turning over, but not catching, then it could be a bunch of other things (but not the starter).

[90 GP]

Your starter solenoid contacts are worn out and giving the intermittent no start. It's a pretty cheap fix over the price of a new starter. It has been discussed in this forum before. Here is overview of how to do it step by step with pictures.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4289640479