91 Camry starter

I just got my timing belt replaced on my 91 Camry, and now it won't start sometimes, especially when it's cold outside. Do the timing belt and starter have any relation to one another? Just wondering if I should take it back in and have them replace the starter for me since I didn't have this problem until AFTER I got a new timing belt.

What happens when it won't start? Does the engine crank? Nothing happens - no noise at all?

Sorry, I forgot to mention that. It makes no noise at all. But it will start after trying for about 10 minutes.

You have a weak battery or a weak starter, not related to the timing belt unless your mechanic somehow sabotaged you. (I have seen "professional" mechanics sabotage cars before. I think they do it so you come back right away.)

It is far more likely you just have a weak battery.

Is the starter still original? What's the mileage on your car? The starter's solinoid contact points may be worn. You can get them for couple dollars.

If nothing happens and then magically, the car cranks and starts normally, then it is probably the starter solenoid contacts like ProMan said. No sabotage or incidental damage likely.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166530

No, it's definitely NOT the battery, it's only a year old, so it's still basically new. But thank you for the suggestion.

And to answer ProMan, it's still the original starter, and there are close to 180,000 miles on it, so I do think it's the starter solinoid contacts.

Just because the battery is only one year old does not mean it is charged. Never assume that. While I think you have a bad starter, you have not PROVED it until you check the charging system. I wouldn't think about "fixing" the starter until you prove the charging system.

It could still be your battery. Have you had the charging system checked out? Does it make enough voltage to charge. Did you try charging the battery? That would have been the first thing I did. Take your car to Sears, they check charging systems for free.

Honestly, with a car with that many miles, I don't play around. If the starter stops working, I start with trying to figure out if I'm charging or not (that is if the battery is relatively new. If the battery is old, replace it out of hand. It's only $40 at Walmart) If not I look to replace the alternator and the voltage regulator at the same time. After I am sure it's not the battery/charging system, then I just go ahead and replace the starter. It usually cost me $200 before I am done, but then I know I won't EVER have that problem for the rest of the life of the car.

Ok, if you are so sure it's your starter, the battery is good, and the car charges ok, then don't mess around with an old starter with 180000 miles on it. There is plenty of things in a starter to go bad. If it's bad, get a rebuilt one. $75 and the deed is done:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7940022716&category=33576