Engine won't turn over but then magically starts 10 minutes later

[washburn311]

I have a 2007 SR5 4x4 with 70k miles. I installed a new battery about 2 months ago. Today I went to the store and when I came out the car refused to start. Wouldn't turn over, no rapid clicking sound or anything. All the electronics worked fine. I fiddled with the gear shifter to make sure it was in the proper position (had that problem on an older car) and still the same result. After about 10 minutes of waiting for my wife to come and pick me up, it just started right up like nothing was wrong. What should I look at first as far as trouble shooting? Could it need a new starter?

 

[TRDCal]

I had a similar problem on my corolla. Start fine one second and then nothing the next. Turned out to be worn starter contacts which were only making contact part of the time.

BUT having said that I could ALWAYS hear the relay clicking. Try having someone start it with your head in the fuse box so you can be sure the relay isn't clicking.

If it is then your golden, just replace the starter, if it doesn't click then you could have an intermitten relay or wiring issue but most likely it's a bad starter. Sometimes giving the starter a couple love taps could temporarily help especially if your stuck somewhere.

Good luck.

 

[DC runner]

Before you replace anything, simply check your battery connection. I know this sounds silly, but I had an issue where my truck would start and then wouldn't and then would. I was about to rip the starter out when I decided to tinker with the battery connection. Turned out to be just on in a such a way that it had only intermittent true connection. Your starter needs all the battery strength and I had it so it was only so so. My electronics would work, radio, lights.. power windows.

I pulled the battery, scrubbed and double checked everything. Hooked it up very tightly and never a problem again.

 

[JD914]

This might sound like a weird question, but do you have a remote starter? I have that same problem, and that's the cause. I really should fix it, but I simply use the remote to get it started.