The starter engages, turns the motor and the motor tries to start. This happens 6-8 times then the motors starts and runs with no problem. This happens most when the engine is cold and ambient temp is 60 or below. I can then drive the car with no problem. There is never any check engine light and all of the equipment (heater, wipers etc.) runs with no problem. I don't want to wear out my starter on this problem.

Replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, which affects fuel injector pulse width. The ECT Sensor is a temperature dependent resistor (thermistor), whose resistance decreases as the engine coolant temperature increases. It provides a richer mixture when cold, leaner mixture when hot. They become corroded, due to not changing the coolant frequently enough with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. The ECT Sensor has two wires going to it, while the Engine Temperature Sending Unit has only one wire. People often get these confused.

Merry Christmas