For the last two weeks my car has been intermittently starting. I can let it sit all night, then start it in the morning just fine...drive it for a couple of hours, then let it sit for 30 minutes and go out to start it and it'll act like the battery is dead; the engine won't turn over at all. Then I can let it sit for another hour, go out and try to start it and the engine will turn over slowly, but start nonetheless. It's puzzling to me. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
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You could have a problem with the battery or the starter. When the engine is warm high resistance can build up in the starting system causing a no crank condition. Check the battery connections, make sure they are clean and tight. With the battery connections OK then a load test of the battery and a starter draw test are in order. If the battery tests good the starter draw test should be done when the engine is warm and the fault is occurring.
I had a similar problem on my 1993 Toyota Camry. Let it sit long enough and it would start again on its own, it was just the 20-30 minute restarts that messed it up. After a while this worsened to the point it would only start from time to time either way. Replacing the starter (even though the mechanic said it was still okay) has fixed the problem for the time being. However, from the way it still struggles sometimes I would imagine the problem is not solved indefinitely. I am 3 months with perfect starts every time at this point since replacing the starter. Take it for what it is worth. (This is after spending $300 at two different mechanics trying to solve the problem. Their efforts included replacing some worn wiring harnesses and removing my after purchase alarm/keyless entry, which they falsely believed was tripping the starter...)
Thank you...I will take a look at the connections when I get home today. - Ray