Starts sometimes not others

Tiny
LINDYST
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
The car started having problems starting once and awhile a few years ago. I would go to start it would not start go back later and it would start. Everything checked out replaced battery even though the battery tested ok. Worked ok for 2 years recently started again but now (only sometimes) it doesn't start after a little while without missing and slowly warming up it shakes the entire engine until it warms up then runs fine. A few days later it does it again.
Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 4:59 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Is it not cranking at all or does it crank and not start?
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 5:18 PM
Tiny
LINDYST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Sometimes it doesn't crank at all but just recently after I wait and go back later it tries to crank but won't and when it finally does it struggles and misses until it warms up then it runs fine and starts fine for a few days
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
No, I think you are confusing the terminology. No crank means the starter is not rotating the engine. Crank, no start is when the starter rotates the engine but it doesn't start.
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
LINDYST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I guess I'm confused not sure the correct terminology I do not work on cars and this just started a couple of weeks ago I am trying to get some ideas before I take it somewhere I'm new in my city and do not have a mechanic. When I first try it there is no sound as if the battery is dead but when I try again later it cranks and has a hard time but it starts just sounds like its missing then it warms up and runs fine.
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
OK, I understand. It really isn't cranking. A bad starter will act like that and it's pretty common on that car.
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
LINDYST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you.
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Sunday, January 31st, 2016 AT 6:31 PM

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