I have a 1996 Toyota Corolla 1.6L I have owned since almost new. It has 122K miles mostly highway. It is in above average condition, well maintained and moderately driven (neither abusively nor conservatively).

After sitting up for about two months while I was in the hospital, I'm having problems starting the car, but only after the car has sat over night without being driven. While depressing the clutch (saftey switch in the clutch) and turning the key, the starter will only click as if the battery is very low. However, there is no electrical drain on the battery as if it is weak. I have turned on head lights and they do not go dim when this happens.

If I am persistent and keep trying to start, it will eventually turn over and start, usually within 45 seconds to a minute. When it finally starts, the starter sounds strong and normal. And this does not happen for the rest of the day. It's been like this for about a month now.

The motor does and has always started easily when the starter turns it over. The problem is the starter not engaging and turning. I do remember the older GM cars we had while I was growing up. When the starters were going out, they did strain the battery while trying to start. This doesn't seem to be the case here.

Could this be a bad starter?

Thanks

I would begin by removing the battery, placing it on a charger, and cleaning battery terminals and connections.

I'm sure this will help you. It's the same problem in the Corolla's.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/1999-toyota-fourrunner-122727.html#post578649