Will be interested to see how this turns out for PHallen, even though I'm driving a '00 TLC (bought it in '04 with 45k miles on it, still my daily driver with 260k+ miles and have no intention of parting ways). Some of the symptoms are identical to what I have been experiencing for some time now without any luck in finding the real culprit. 2001LC and others have done a tremendous service in offering input and helping narrow this down.
In the last few years, I have replaced the starter, alternator and fuel pump. Earlier this year, we replaced the CAM shaft sensor (to no avail) and then the spark plugs since it was due . . . again to no avail. By and large, I'd say i have a looooong crank before it starts. Initially, I would back off the key when it didn't turn over like it should and then turn it again and it would start. Now it seems I just let it crank until it starts - which it always has (sometimes sluggishly), but . . . . Not sure which method is doing more damage to the starter or any other part - any input is welcome. I previously had occasions where I would turn the key and the lights would all do their thing but no response from the engine bay . . . . I don't believe I have experienced that since the Cam Shaft sensor and pugs were replaced. My issue de jure is the looooong crank or crank-no start issue. I don't believe its the immobilizer issue that some with this model have - the security light always goes off when I insert the key.
As I've read through this thread I've made a few notes. (1) Fuel pump - For now, I've ruled that out, but only b/c my mechanic says they tested the pressure when they last had it for this issue and we ended up dong the CAM shaft sensor. Although replacement parts can be duds. (2) Parasitic draw on battery -not sure about this - I don't have any aftermarket accessories aside from an FM transmitter that plugs into the accessory jack so I can play tunes from my phone. I know based on the age of my battery that I'm due to replace before the cold weather gets here. (3) Neutral switch - not sure if that's for the '03 and later or could be an issue in a '00, but easy enough to try next time it doesn't fire right up. (4) Fuel Injector leakdown - this one really got my attention as I've told my mechanic multiple times that it seems like its not getting fuel. Not sure how to test this and determine if that is my problem or not. (5) Fuel Pump Relay - should be easy enough to replace if that is something a dealer always does with a fuel pump - just tired of throwing money at 'maybe' solutions . . . . ready to know what it is and that I've fixed it. (6) EFI Relay - same comment as the fuel pump relay. For what its worth, i did replace the starter relay at some point. (7) Ground at the back of the engine block on the top side - sounds easy enough to check and I'll look for that - if anyone has a pic that would be great. (8) Crank shaft position sensor - would hope that was checked when I was told that the CAM shaft sensor was faulty . . . i'm wondering whether it really was or not.