jtayls

Hello everyone,

I have a 2000 ES300. For the last few months when I turn the keys in the ignition, I seemingly have to turn them several times to get the car to start up. Sometimes it starts up right away, but much of the time I have to turn the keys several times. I replaced the car battery last month and the issue was happening before then so it doesn't seem that would be the issue. What other problems might it be? Starter? Fuel filter? Ignition switch? Any help is VERY appreciated!

wmj259

Any Warning Lights? If you go to any car parts store, they can test your starting, charging, and battery system. It will help you find out if the issue is with the starter or battery (due to cold weather)

PFB

When you say the car won't start, does it at least turn over and tries to start, or nothing happends.

Does your Security light turn off when you try to start it?

Any Codes in Memory?

jtayls

I went by Autozone this evening after the recommendation from wmj259 -- oddly enough, no codes from any of their tests. I'm perplexed!

So PFB, when I try to start it, it sounds like 1 click takes place at some point when the key is turning, but the car won't start. Then I try a few more times, it sounds like it's trying then it will turn over and actually start after a few tries.

By the way, when I checked the cables tied to the battery terminals, they are well secure (I thought maybe one would be loose or something which would cause some randomness).

Let me know if you there are additional thoughts.

crwys

check the other ends of your ground cables to make sure they are tight and clean. Check pos cable coming from your starter to make sure its tight and clean.

Richardsr

PFB

camlobe

I second the above. It could be the starter. I had starter problems on my car before I replaced the starter and all is now good. Usually, a starter motor will show signs of going south by intermittent hard starts. It may start perfectly fine one day and have trouble starting the next. Usually, it is the voltage regulator or the starter motor itself, regulator has worn bushing or starter has worn windings. Get it checked before it leaves you stranded, a tow truck can often take a long time to get to you if you break down during rush hour. Most start problems are either fuel related or ignition related. If fuel pressure is good, check all along the chain of the starter beginning with the fuse, I have seen a bad fuse cause all kinds of problems with the starter circuit. Wiggle the fuse for the starter motor and fuel pump to clean up any oxidation on the contact surface or better yet, take the fuse out and clean it and observe or test for continuity. Hitting the starter with a good jab with a broom handle can wake it up the next time it acts up and if it starts up, I would suspect it is the starter.

Synes

Did you check the fuel pump?
Or have the ECU checked also,