Toyota Repair: Trouble Starting, dashboard lights, toyota dealership

Question
I have a 97 Camry with 127k miles that I am having trouble starting (automatic transmission).  The problem seems to come and go but when it acts up, it acts up frequently. Then it is fine again for awhile.

Currently, when I turn the ignition, nothing happens. There is no click. The dashboard lights up and that is it. On the second or third try it starts just fine.  

When the problem first began, however, there was a noise. It was a grinding sound similar to the sound a car makes when you try to start it and it is already on.  Happened a few times. Then was fine for about a month. Now I am having frequent no starts but without any noise.  The lights are strong and the windshield wipers work fine when car is not started and battery has been tested recently.  The car is kept in a garage day and night and it happens in all types of weather.


My local Toyota dealership has been unable to replicate the problem and have advised that unless they can replicate it the only course of action is to start replacing things - begining with the starter.  This seems like it could be a rather expensive way to address the problem.

How likely is it that it is the starter and if not, what is another likely problem?

Also, I have no idea if this could be a factor but during a recent service, the dealer did a valve adjustment. I had never once had this issue until after the adjustmenet. Any possible connection?

Thanks!


Answer
Hello Carey, welcome to my expert page.
The noise you are describing that happened before means that there is a problem with the flywheel ring gear where the starter engages to spin the engine, this is normally caused by a bad starter it will damage the teeth on the flywheel(flex plate).
I agree with the dealer, if we can't make the problem happen we can't make a diagnosis,we don't like to guess at your expense, whether or not you start replacing parts at your request is entirely up to you.
Replacing the starter first seems logical since it is the cause of the problem most of the time, have the flywheel checked while the starter is out.