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Car has trouble starting at first start each day

Tiny
DOUGDOUG
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
My car has trouble starting at first start each day, or after hours of not driving it. However, once engine is warm the trouble starting virtually goes away. My lights work and the dash comes on but when I turn the key the power seems to cut out temporarily. I've tried turning the key to start and waiting. That trick rarely works. I've cleaned the throttle body and IACV and that hasn't changed anything. The battery terminals seem fine but I cleaned them anyway. Additionally I cleaned the ground and live wire going to the starter as well as the battery connectors. The only other thing I've noticed is that the aftermarket alarm (little red light but no button) use to beep when I shut off the car. Now it longer does that. I've disconnected alarms before in my old Corolla but this one is spliced into the system and seems to difficult to remove. Anyway could the light of the alarm be draining the battery every night? Or could it be my starter? I'm really confused because once it starts it continues to start unless it sits awhile. Additionally when I go to crank it sometimes there's no noise or other times it tries to start but cuts out. When it cuts out all power is out on the dash and auxiliary areas. However after turning the key a few more times it generally will eventually start but I give it a little has because it wants to die. Then it idles fine. If hate to think I need a new IACV and I might have parasitic drain. Can anyone help me out?
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 10:39 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

This was a common issue back in the day. The ignition switch was the culprit for this issue.

When we replaced the switch, there were no more delays when you turn the switch to start.

Roy

1. On models with coded audio anti-theft systems, refer to Technician Safety Information for code procedures.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove steering wheel, if necessary, steering column garnish, if equipped, upper and lower covers.
4. Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition switch.
5. Turn ignition key to ACC position and remove ignition key cylinder.
6. Remove screw and ignition switch.
7. Reverse procedure to install.
8. Reset audio anti-theft system, if necessary, as outlined under Technician Safety Information.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for your reply. I will try that today. However, if it is the ignition switch could I just bypass it with a toggle switch? The only reason I ask is because I'm afraid that if I disconnect the battery the alarm system will make it impossible to start.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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No, I would not bypass it.

You can change it without removing the battery cable. Just be careful with the wires.

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
DOUGDOUG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I don't think it's the ignition switch. That all seemed to check out okay. Additionally I was able to completely remove the aftermarket alarm. So, I can work on battery issues without resetting the alarm. Anyway it still take a few cranks when cold. But if I put a jump box on my car it's starts the first turn! Could my battery be bad even though my lights always work and my auxiliary items as well. Furthermore is it possibly a dead cell in my battery or perhaps the current isn't getting there because there is additional corrosion to my battery terminals or wires? Would that explain why the jump box worked so easily? The weird thing is if I don't use it on next start up it goes back to needed several attempts. The part I find so odd is all the lights and stuff cutting out when trying to crank but then kicking in after numerous tries. Plus wouldn't my battery stay charged after running it for 30 minutes? I know it's not the alternator because once the car is in it can drive for hours without shutting down. I also find it off the jump box works with engine completely cold on first shot. Normally my car only starts first start if its already warm. I'm confused.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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What is the battery voltage when it is cold?

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
DOUGDOUG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Had the battery checked again and it tests fine. I'm wondering if it could be the starter relay? If I'm not mistaken it's located behind the glove box but I'm not sure? Could this be my problem?
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
DOUGDOUG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
But now it doesn't take jump. Only starts when it wants at first start. Usually several attempts and my foot on the gas not sure if it helps but force of habit. Anyway like before once warmed up it will usually continue to start the rest of the day on the first turn. Sometimes it may take two but otherwise it starts fine the rest of the day or at least the rest of the driving cycle. I'm thinking the relay or perhaps a sticky solenoid in starter but I've had starter problems in the past and none were this intermittent or temperature dependent. I know that temp can play role in a sticky solenoid but it doesn't do anything or make any noise. Then after a few more attempts it struggles then eventually starts. I'm very exhausted by this problem. I think it might be electrical but don't know. Do you think the relay could be the culprit?
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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Backing up, what is the battery voltage? You never gave me this information.

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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12.6 volts. Why do you think something is wrong with the battery? Both times it checked out okay.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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I always start at a source of power and need exact reading, not general information of it being okay.

Did you verify power at the starter small wire on the solenoid for power with the key in the start position?

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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Well, what I meant by okay is 12.6 and 12.5 respectably. Therefore it's within the normal range according to the auto parts store. What's the easiest way to verify power at small wire on the starter? It was dirty but I cleaned the metal that it's attached to last week pretty thoroughly. I don't have a volt meter but I can borrow one. Do I attach it to the wire? What reading an I looking for?
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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You need a voltmeter and test the voltage at the wire with the ignition in the start position.

You need battery voltage there.

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
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It was the safety switch? Thanks for the guides helped me.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 4:06 PM

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