Within the last couple of weeks, I’ve been having a little difficulty getting my car started. It’s a 1991 Toyota Tercel with 171k on the clock. If I let it sit for a day or two, then try to start it, I’ll turn the key and usually get nothing. No clicks, all dash lights come on, but the engine doesn’t start up. I checked the battery and it’s fine.
If I crank the key harder to turn it on, sometimes that’s all it takes. Normally I used to always start it up while in neutral, but I found that it helped putting it into 1st and starting it that way. But there are even times now that cranking the key hard with the car in 1st won’t work, and just a very short roll (not even a full rotation of the tire) will help get it started. Anyone know what the issue could be? Alternator? Starter/solenoid?
I don’t drive my car everyday since most days I walk to campus. On back to back days when I do drive, it doesn’t give me trouble starting. Any thoughts appreciated! Thanks!