spark plugs?

[toyota_rave]

I've noticed several instances over the last few days that it takes a few tries (1-3) to get the engine started... this is a 2005 corolla S. Is this normal? I recently bought this car used and has ~43,000 miles... I know the spark plugs are Iridium tipped and last ~100,000 miles before needing replacing... just wondering if I should pop them open and check but before doing so was wondering if it is normal to crank a few times in order to start the engine? I've noticed this in the morning(cold engine) or even after coming back from a short grocery shopping trip (warm engine)...

[AVANT]

It is not normal. Especially on such a new car. Hope you didn't buy a used lemon. My 300,000+ mi corolla still starts on the first try.

[90 GP]

Check out this link as the hard starting is a condition that was rather common on the 05's.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t60965.html

[toyota_rave]

Is there any sort of recall from Toyota on this issue? I am at 44K miles now and so the car is out of warranty?

[Tavel]

if you can't solve this issue, make sure you never run your starter for more than 3-5 seconds at a time. give it a 5-10 second rest inbetween so it doesn't overheat.

The starter is not designe/meant to run continuously and will wear prematurely.

you can't fix your car, but you can keep it from breaking more

[toyota_rave]

since this happens 3-5 times a week (I drive it to work everyday of the week) I am not going to worry about it but thanks for the advice... it seems Toyota has not yet established what is causing this issue so there is no reason to take it in....

[90 GP]

You might try turning the ignition to on and waiting approximately a minute before you start cranking the engine. This allows the fuel pump to fill the fuel rail prior to firing the engine. The problem as I understand it is Toyota eliminated the return line to the fuel tank. When the engine is hot the fuel in the fuel rail vaporizes and the extended cranking is required to bring fuel back to the rail. You could check with the dealer as they probably have service bulletins on how to solve the problem.

[90 GP]

You might try turning the ignition to on and waiting approximately a minute before you start cranking the engine. This allows the fuel pump to fill the fuel rail prior to firing the engine. The problem as I understand it is Toyota eliminated the return line to the fuel tank. When the engine is hot the fuel in the fuel rail vaporizes and the extended cranking is required to bring fuel back to the rail. You could check with the dealer as they probably have service bulletins on how to solve the problem.