I have 2 issues with the car, although i'm not sure if they're related or not.

1st: Whenever I leave the car sitting for a week or longer, the battery is dead and I have to jump it in order to start it. If it's around 3 days or so, no issues at all.

2nd: On a cold start/30min-1hour in between starts, the car cranks up perfectly fine. But when I start/shut off the car when it's already hot a couple times within a short window (10 minutes), the car hesitates to crank but it does start eventually although it hesitates a little in the beginning.

If anyone has any clues or insights on the issues I'm having, please help me out. Thanks!

 

Bring the battery to local parts place and have them check it. How old is the battery?

 

The battery is only about a year old. It also happened to the previous battery that I replaced with this current one.

 

well, something is OBVIOUSLY draining your battery in a week.
Find out what it is..

 

I have the exact same issue. It has something to do with winter blend fuel, but that's all the info that I can reliably gather. I'm hopeful for some more insight into this from the experts around here.

 

Check into the cleaning of the Idle controle valve and the EGR valve.

 

2000 TL
There is a TSB. It simply says to replace the ECM and FPR with all updated units... Around $1500+.

The work around is simply buy a use 2001 ECM (model specific... Nav/Type S or not) and a use Black Dot FPR... $100-$150. The ECM will need to be program by a dealership to match your keys... $200+.

2001 - later years

Probably a low fuel pressure problem. Leaking injectors, defective FPR. I would start by changing the FPR or at least make sure it's a Black Dot FPR.

 

Thanks - I have a 2003. I'll check for the black dot. I'm not afraid to change parts out with OEM new or better than new because I'll be keeping her for a while yet.

 

This happens year round so I think I can rule out gasoline blends by season.

Thanks for the input. I'll check into doing this and also the fuel pressure regulator. I've read other threads too and someone mentioned the main relay.

 

regarding #1 , you must have something draining your battery. If the battery is known to be good then a parasitic draw test would be in order . Google Eric the car guy parasitic draw, he's got a good video on how it's done.

#2. I'm a confused with what you mean by crank. Do you mean the starter is not turning the engine or that the engine will not fire/start?

 

The starter is turning the engine, but struggles to start. And when it does start, it seems like the engine is hesitating and is idling really low to a point where it almost cuts off.

Thanks for the tip on #1!