95 ES300 starting issues and gas smell

[montytx]

When starting the car acts like the battery is dead or dying. It will do this 3-4 times then the 5th crank it will crank away and start the engine. I have installed a new battery and new alternator to eliminate those issues. I am thinking the starter might have an issue but that doesn't explain why it will die sometimes during a crank cycle as if the battery is dead then the next attempt runs fine.

I am also getting a lot of gas smell during the start up and the first minute of idle.

[jdmccright]

The starter contacts could be worn out. When they land on a "dead" spot, it'll take a number of bumps from the starter cog to nudge it back into contact. There's an info sticky at the top of this forum on how to replace the contacts...or buy a new starter.

Second option would be the starter relay is at fault. You should hear two clicks, one being the relay and the second the starter engaging. If you hear no clicks when you turn the key, it's the relay. One soft click means it's the starter kickout solenoid and hearing the soft and the louder click means its the starter contacts. Hope this helps!

Gas smell could mean you're due for a tune up...new plugs. Check the coil packs for proper resistance too.