wdoa wrote:
> Purchased a brand new 2007 Corolla about a month ago. For the last
> several weeks I've noticed that the car needs a few more seconds (10
> seconds or so) of cranking to start than other cars I've owned. Since
> this is my first Toyota I thought maybe it was just a difference
> between cars and not a big deal. Now I'm not so sure, as this morning
> when I went to start the car after it had been sitting for about 12
> hours I felt I was almost close to needing a tow. I tried starting the
> car, cranked the engine for about 20 seconds, but the car didn't
> start. Tried again, this time for about 30 seconds, still no joy.
> Finally on the third time it did catch after about 15 seconds, but
> sputtered for a few seconds as it started. It was cold outside (10 F),
> but I've not had this problem with other cars I've owned, also
> yesterday morning was colder and the Corolla had been sitting longer
> and I didn't have the problem.
> I called the service department of the dealership and they blamed it
> on the cold and said they didn't think it was anything out of the
> ordinary.
> Any thoughts? Thanks
>
> -Mike
>
I have owned an '03 and am currently driving an'05 Corolla LE. Never
have I had to crank the engine in either vehicle more than a few seconds
in even the coldest temperatures (-25F). This seems abnormal in my
experiences with any new vehicle. Have the dealer address this issue
ASAP and if a comparison is needed, ask them to start a new car of your
type on the lot in your presence. Just a thought, but you would not by
chance be trying to start the vehicle with any advance of the
accelerator pedal? (Foot on the gas)? Check/review your owners manual
for the correct start procedure, but most require you do not depress the
accelerator for normal starting. Good luck.