I know that this information is probably out there, but I want to be really specific and I can never find anything in the search section . Anyway, I have an 06 TL AT and this morning when I went to start it nothing happened. I think I heard the sound of the Fuel Pump turning on but other than that nothing. I looked on here and it seems pretty common, that its the Starter Motor, but everyone that has posted that its the starter motor says it would not start at all, it left them stranded. I tried three more times, then on the fourth it just cranked up and ran normally. If it is the starter motor, could it be intermittent like that? Maybe its a relay or the neutral safety switch? I'm not sure. Any help is appreciated

 

Check battery posts and ground connections first. If you can twist them by hand that can't be good. Tighten down everything. You could tell if the battery was disconnected recently by turning your key to ON position (no starter) and wait for 20 seconds, check engine will flash five times if the battery has been disconnected, meaning emissions sensors are not set. Just a tip!

 

Mine turned out to be the ignition switch. Snapping the key into crank position would increase the odds of me starting the car.

If I knew how easy it was to remove the ignition switch, this would have been the first thing I would have checked. I opened up the igntion switch upon removal and found the contacts burnt and was pitted due to arcing. I'll do a DIY once I get a new switch replacement, but for now I have the ignition switch left hanging and I can crank the switch manually with a flat screwdriver and starts on first try. I noticed I can turn the switch further into its crank position to ensure proper contact. You don't get the same amount of full motion when installed and cranking it with your keys.

 

Warren -
The short answer to your question is yes - it can be intermittent. Absolutely check that your battery conncetions are both clean (no corrosion) and tight on the battery as suggested above. Check also that your battery cables are tightly connect on the other ends as well. There have been a few members here on AZ who have found the ground connection had loosened and separated making for a bad ground.
Next time it doesn't start, take a hammer or mallet and gently give the starter a couple of good whacks. Then try and start it. You may find that your car will start and if so you are due for a new starter.

 

Yeah, it's only done it a handful of times so its hard to tell what it is when nothing is actually broken yet. I have good battery connections, it's more than likely just the starter starting to go out, which shouldn't be too bad

 

Get the starter tested.

 

I just experienced this last night, I came home turn the car off opened the garage door and then car won't start again. Never gave any indication that start was going. No sure if the start is completely dead. Will check battery and connects first. Any recommendation on starter? How hard is it to change out?

 

Quick test, turn the lights on then try and start the car. If the lights stay bright, starter/circuit, if they dim considerably, battery related.

 

Thanks, I will try out when I get home.

 

Did this and no dim, also check connections all seemed fine. My bet now is the starter. Any recommendation, oem rebuilt or aftermarket?

 

The following from Rock Auto are new, no core deposit required:
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Not a bad choice considering the OEM is list $423 net $317 and far from a lifetime warranty as only 12 month 12,000 mile coverage.

 

^Thank, I ordered the remy part, will tackle it this weekend. I will follow up after install

 

Pop in the new starter yesterday and first crank she started up. What a difference a new starter makes and the sound.

 

Hard to install? And anyone know how you can test a starter that isn't fully broken? Mine is very intermittent, and I wanna replace it before it leaves me stranded, but I don't want to buy a new starter and it be a relay or something else? Any suggestions

 

Not hard at all, I would say the time consuming part would be the battery tray because there is two bolts underneath that you have to get out. Otherwise sometime the starter bolts (2) is hard but a breaker bar will do the trick.
You can get your starter tested at auto parts store like autozone, advance auto etc. for free. I would say if it is acting up and some hard start just replace it for peace of mine because you don't want to get stranded.