Question? I have a 1998 Toyota Camry and for some reason the past couple of weeks it will take a couple of turns before starting. I was wondering if this is the starter going out? Because sometimes it starts right up and some other times it takes you turning the switch a couple of times to get it to start.
When was your last tune up
If you can hear the engine turning then it is not the starter but two other things the engine needs to work: fuel and sparks. If you turn the key and you do not hear the engine being turned by the starter then you can suspect the starter or missing 12V power at the starter (weak battery, etc).
If you live where it is cold, it will also take longer to start the engine. The oil has drained to the pan, the oil viscosity is less, and parts are more reluctant to move and start. I have the same thing on my camry and tacoma. And they just got plugs, wires, coil packs, oil and trany changes, and a new battery.
A nitpicky note here: the viscosity of the oil is higher (thicker), not lower. The engine meets more resistance when it starts up compared to warmer weather. Other than that, I don't dispute "ilovepoison."
m.h.
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