Avalon Ignition Problem.

[CALL_911]

Ok guys, a bit of a problem.

My sister's Avalon is a POS. The ignition is shot, the only way to start it is to turn to the key roughly 30 times (when it doesn't start, it clicks, is it a solenoid?). However, now it's "wheezing" (her description over the phone), and it won't start. What to do?

[JWC]

Check the basics first, battery terminals for being loose or broken, same for being dirty/corroded. Check connection at starter, make sure it's tight.  If everything is clean, not broken and not loose, most likely its a bad starter.

Wheezing?  Is it now turning over and not starting? Is it turning slowly, possibly indicating a weak battery?

[CALL_911]

Check the basics first, battery terminals for being loose or broken, same for being dirty/corroded. Check connection at starter, make sure it's tight.  If everything is clean, not broken and not loose, most likely its a bad starter.

Wheezing?  Is it now turning over and not starting? Is it turning slowly, possibly indicating a weak battery?

The battery's been replaced, and that's what I thought, a bad starter.

It is turning over and not starting, but not slowly.

[JWC]

The battery's been replaced, and that's what I thought, a bad starter.

It is turning over and not starting, but not slowly.

Well, if it is turning over and not starting, the starter is working. 

[CALL_911]

Well, if it is turning over and not starting, the starter is working. 

She called, and AAA towed it to a garage. It's in shit shape, and my dad doesn't want to deal with it anymore. It will probably be donated by the end of the week.

Probably to be replaced with a Mazda3/VW Rabbit/Civic. But I'm not going to count my chickens (or her chickens) before they hatch.