[Daopaul]

My 1993 Camry starts without difficulty in the morning. I then drive to the gym and return in about two hours. I turn the key and hear nothing. In 10-30 minutes, the car starts and I have no problem starting the rest of the day. What could cause this problem? Thanks.

[smearcase]

Have you checked the battery and charging system?

Maybe the trip to the gym is too short of a duration to recharge from the initial morning start.

And the drive to work is long enough to build up for a few start ups.

Most likely the battery (even corroded terminal connections) but the charging system should be checked also (even if the battery is found to be bad).

[TxGreaseMonkey]

. Remove and fully charge, or replace, the battery. Have each cell of the battery checked. Most auto parts stores will do this for free. If you end up buying a new battery, have it charged prior to installation. Alternators are battery maintainers, not chargers.

. Clean the battery terminals and cable connections. Check the cables for corrosion and hidden breaks.

. Clean starter motor connections.

. Check the alternator. Regulated battery voltage should be 14 to 15 volts. Most auto parts stores will also do this for free.

. Check the starter motor, if the problem persists. Should it need replacing, buy a remanufactured starter motor from Toyota. Many aftermarket new and remanufactured starter motors for Toyotas have not lasted long, due to lower quality starter solenoid contacts which pit and fail prematurely.

My bet is that you just need a new battery. With cold weather coming, don't delay.