Engine/Starting problems, need help

[FLASH]

It snowed a good 4 inches on Monday, in which my car sat outside of work through the whole storm...it was like 29 degrees. I left work, started my car and let it warm up for a good 15 minutes. When I started it, it took quite a few turns to finally turn over...normal considering the cold weather, I thought.

I drove across the street to get gas, turned off the gar, refueled, and when i went to turn it back on....Dead. Had to get a jump from tehe gas attendant. Now when I go to start it, it turns a lot before finally turning over, but I'm hesitiant to try and start it without a possible jump nearby.

Battery is 6 years old and had 50,000 miles on it.

What do you all think is my problem? I'm hoping its only the battery and not the alternator or water pump. All belts and hoses look good.

I hear what can only be described as a ticking noise coming from the engine block...like near the sparkplugs/oil filter area (1MZFE)

Please help me out guys!! What is wrong!?

[Jon11582]

I got my money on the battery. Id replace it anyways after that long..

[Paladin06Greg]

For sure you need a battery and get a product to add to your gas tank that removes any water present. Water in the fuel is a major problem I've noticed since moving back east.

[RichD978]

do you have a advance auto parts or auto zone near you? they check for free to let you know what needs to be replaced

[trdboy15]

I had a similar problem. It just started out of no where, car wouldn't crank without ticking noises. It would start up the 2nd time then 3rd until it wouldn't start.
I changed the battery, before the starter died but it wasn't the problem it was the starter. So it could be both or just the battery lol. Im just stating what ive experienced good luck

John

[FLASH]

EEk, how much is a new starter?

I have an Optima Oragne top on the way.

[Paladin06Greg]

You are going to love your Optima.

EEk, how much is a new starter?

I have an Optima Oragne top on the way.

[Parke10]

ya prob the battery only other thing i can think of idk if it would matter is like on trucks how they have an oil warmer u plug in

[Fletch]

I have heard of a few starters going bad on 1mz's but those cars were well into their mid 100k miles.

Wish I had went with an optima

[adam2562]

my car was at 120k when my starter went bad

[Jon11582]

EEk, how much is a new starter?

I have an Optima Oragne top on the way.

Whered you get your orange top and how much? was thinking of getting one myself if I found a good deal on it. I'm on whatever the Costco special is right now

[Jetfixer]

It's very easy to test your alternator with even a $2 radio shack voltmeter. Check the battery voltage before you start the car. It should be around 12.6 volts for a "good" battery. Start the car. Check the voltage at the battery terminals again. With the engine running the voltage should now be around 14 volts. If it's still at the reading it was before you started the car, the alternator is dead. If it's higher than about 14 volts, the voltage regulator is bad and WILL ruin your new battery by overcharging/boiling it.