Starting issues

It could be either. My guess is it is a starter issue, but it needs to be properly diagnosed. It could also be a battery issue. Next time, get a standard transmission and park on a hill.

Jeff

A proper diagnosis would check the battery terminals and wiring, battery grounding, battery state of charge, starter draw, and power to the starter. I would start by checking if power is getting to the starter solenoid contacts and from the solenoid contacts to the starter itself. If not, the solenoid contacts may be worn and need replacement. You can replace just the contacts or the entire starter.

I had this problem with my '97 Camry, with about 130,000 miles, and came to find out that it was a sick starter....I wish it had only been a loose wire or something minor, but it was a 'flat spot' in the starter windings and that's the reason for the intermittent starting. Usually mine started after three or four 'clicks', and I could have lived with it, but not my wife. I was fearful of her getting stranded out of town, so we replaced the starter ...and no more problems.

same thing happened to my 97 corrola. it started just every now and then would get a click. relaced the battery because it was pretty old anyway. still got the click every now and then. got worse untill took 5 or 6 tries before starter would kick in. toyota dealer wanted $450 to put a new starter on. got an independent garage with a good reputation to do the work. cost $ 205 to replace the starter. that was over 2 years ago and so far working good with no problems.