How to start the car properly?

[kohokoho]

Sometimes, when I try to start my 89 camry when the headlight switch is on, or i haven't depressed the brake pedal, there's a crank sound that I hear instead of the car engine starting. why does it do that? again, it only happens sometime. Am I not starting the car properly ?

Any ideas what it could be ?

[Bossman]

The only thing that I can think of is that your starter motor is going out. I can't imagine what effect the headlight switch and/or depressing the brake pedal would have on starting the engine; assuming you have auto trans.

[jsinton]

Sometimes when a starter is old and worn, it might fail to turn. If repeated tries makes it turn, then suspect it to need replacement soon. Make sure your battery is charged also. Easier on the starter.