2007 Yaris Starter Problem

[TooKool]

Update: apparently in speaking with other Toyota owners, the cold weather start problem is an issue in at least smaller Toyota models. The advice I received was whenever it gets below -5 degrees Celsius (23 Fahrenheit) you have to plug in the block heater for at least 4 hours to get it to start...even though people with 8 year old GM's/Nissan/Subaru/Ford's along my street have no problem starting their cars at -25 degrees Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit) and colder without plugging theirs in. I tested the theory out this weekend and sure enough, had no problems starting it in -17 degree weather (1.4 Fahrenheit) after it was plugged in for 4 hours...frustrating but at least I know this is a common issue and it's not going to cost me any more money (other than boosting my electricity bill for the next 6 months). Even though Toyota may claim it's a fuel efficient vehicle - it's certainly not an energy efficient vehicle (eletricity pig for us Canadians).
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My 2007 Yaris has always had issues starting in cold weather (turn key in ignition and just hear clicking or very sluggish starting). It has 40,000 KM (24,850 miles) on it. I replaced the battery in March 2010 in an effort to address the issue. This month the problem resurfaced (as it is turning cold) and is having problems intermittently starting in the morning (I park outside) as temperatures are below freezing. When I turn the key I just hear clicking noises and it won't turn over/ignite. I've taken it to two mechanics already. They have no problem starting it (of course), and have put it on the scope and cannot find anything wrong with it. I left it overnight with the mechanic last night (it was well below freezing this morning) and of course, it started for him on the first try - and he can't find an issue with it. I am at my wits end and am spending money while not fixing the problem. Anyone with any ideas as to what I can suggest to the next mechanic I take it to when the car ultimately leaves me stranded again, I would love to hear from you.

[Swords]

I do have one tip, and sadly its expense but effective. 5w 50 quaker comes on sale at crappy tire every 4 weeks. Change your oil over to that and you will notice a marked improvement in starting. I would still wager that you'll need the block heater on some occasions however.
The lighter weight oil stays more fluid and allows the crank to turn through it easier, ergo easier cold starts. I've used full synthetic on my echo since day 1 and have yet to have one problem starting it during the winter, outdoors.

Most motor oils (5w 30, 10w30) tend to thicken up when they get cold, 5w 50 pours like water all year around. It is also synthetic (hence waiting for it to come on sale) if it matters to you. I made the mistake of using diesel motor oil in another sedan i once owned, the first cold day the oil was thick as molases. And the car refused to crank until I got the oil pan warm.
Good Luck

[TooKool]

Thank you so much for that suggestion, I had no idea that weight of oil even exists and would have assumed it was for performance engines only. I'm totally going to try the 5w50 out - anything is worth a shot and in the long-run I'll save a pile of money on vehicle towing/visits to the mechanic. I'll post an update after I run it a bit with the new oil to let you know how it worked for my little puddle-jumper. Thanks again!

[Swords]

No problem. Oil viscosity (I couldn't remember the word last night), can make a difference in starting. I've seen Quaker 5w50 come on for as low as $19.99 at canadian tire. I run a boosted volvo so I usually stock up when it comes on. Whether you engines get any major benifits from running synthetic oil is another story. But I just replaced my fathers echo engine last weekend. He got 352,xxx km out of the it, running synthetic its whole life.

[engine1CD]

Synthetic oil for great cold start in climate zones with lower temperatures.