Toyota Corolla 2008 mystery fail-to-start

Question

Hello Scottie and team,

Thank you for everything you do. My husband's a big fan, and I'm a fan of his impressions.

Could you help solve a mystery around our 2008 Toyota Corolla S, with manual transmission and 110,000 miles? Since I bought it used, several years ago - from the dealer, with one previous owner - it sometimes fails to start. The engine cranks without starting and gives no code. We can tell in advance when it won't start, because the security light keeps blinking after we've inserted the key. We have the same problem no matter which key we use. Then, one to three hours later, the car starts just fine.

Three shops, including a dealer and a Toyota specialist, say everything's great. When I've left the car with them, it has started every time, and the tests come out clear. My husband has replaced the battery, the fuel pump relay and even the central computer. Even so, the car sometimes fails to start. It seems to happen more often when it's particularly hot and sunny. I don't know whether that's relevant.

What should we try next? We'd appreciate your expertise! Thank you, again, for all the great advice on your show!

Kind regards,

Virginia

legendaryslayer · Answer

It seems like you did some of the steps. It's either your Anti Theft system has gone out or the spark plugs been wear out. Do these steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=064Ilsz8Fzg

Saranac12 · Answer

Did they test the starter and alternator? I do not always trust dealers. The Toyota dealer said my Sequoia was fine. I looked further and found a broken suspension link.

antonio777 · Answer

Thank you for the tips. The car doesn't start only sometimes, and always the security light keeps blinking with the key in the ignition of it's not going to start. Then, one to three hours later, we put the key in the ignition, and the security light stops blinking. Then, we know it's going to start. Does this sound like the security system? We replaced the central computer. If it's the security system, what else do we need to do?