2005 Celica GT Trouble Starting in cold.

[core2kid]

My Celica (Automatic Trans) has 59600 miles. Every morning, it sounds like the battery low on power while cranking but it does start. Other times, it takes a good 5-10 seconds of cranking before the engine fires up.

For example, today after leaving the car outside (no garage) without being used for 16 hours, it started after about 3 seconds. I didn't really hear the battery acting as though it was low. After driving 20 minutes and letting the car sit outside for about 1 1/2 hour, I came and it took a good 10 seconds of cranking before it started. The outside temperature in both these situations is 25F.

What could be the problem? I haven't had an oil change done from 53,500 miles. I'm waiting for my college semester to end in a week and then I'll get it done. The battery is also new (I've been told, I bought the car used at 53,500 miles).

Not to mention, my car vibrates quite a lot when I'm at a signal. If I pop the car into Neutral, the vibrations stop.

Also nothing towards this problem but any ideas on how to remove light white scratches by the gas tank? I'm in NJ and we have people fill our gas and everyone here just drops the cover and it hits the paint.

[MR2Jedi]

Whens the last time you had an ignition system tune up?
I would start there. There's a chance after that, the vibration you spoke of may go away, with a smoother idle.
If not, you may have bad motor mounts.

[core2kid]

I bought the car used from an Infinity Dealer at 53,500 miles so I'd assume then or before that. I never noticed the vibration in the summer so I'm thinking it's something to do with the cold. Could replacing the spark plugs help?

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by core2kid

I bought the car used from an Infinity Dealer at 53,500 miles so I'd assume then or before that. I never noticed the vibration in the summer so I'm thinking it's something to do with the cold. Could replacing the spark plugs help?

I wouldn't assume that. They will do only what they need to do, to get the car sold.
I suggest a full ignition system tune up with plugs, cap, rotor , plug wires, check ignitiion timing and go from there.

[core2kid]

Well I'm gonna be taking it to Toyota for a minor service which they are doing for $60. They change the oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, engine filter, inspect the car and all. Hopefully the car will run well after that or they will tell me to replace what you were telling me to do. If they say anything is wrong I'll have them replace it (My car is under warranty for those things until 103,500 miles). Last question is that whatever I do on the car through warranty has a $50 deductable. Is it worth going through Toyota or just doing it myself?

Also right after I created this forum, I never had the problem again. It could have been a one time thing, I did go... (shhh.. don't tell anyone) fast on the highway because a truck in front of me was going 80MPH when suddenly the thing covering its back partially flew off and salt starting flying all over the highway.