Hard to Start

[beach pony]

Just started having this problem.

When I go out and start my car, it will fire right up. This being a cold start. Then, after I drive it for a little while and cut it off, it acts like it wants to start but the battery seems to "run down" so to speak. I have been able to get it started each time, but I'm afraid I'm gonna get stuck somewhere soon. Could it be the battery? I don't know how old it is but it came with the car when I bought it and it did sit unused for a while when I refreshed the engine compartment. Any thoughts?

[jims6t6]

I would suspect the starter first

[cmayna]

I think it's all that weight in the back seat.  Send some over here.

Are you saying that it doesn't start right up on a warm start?    You say "it acts like it wants to start".  Are you saying that when doing a warm crank, it almost fires up but doesn't?  Or does it just crank and crank?

[beach pony]

I would suspect the starter first

Starter is a year old. I wouldn't think it's that, although I can't rule it out I guess.

[beach pony]

I think it's all that weight in the back seat.  Send some over here.

Are you saying that it doesn't start right up on a warm start?    You say "it acts like it wants to start".  Are you saying that when doing a warm crank, it almost fires up but doesn't?  Or does it just crank and crank?

Craig, cold start: Fires right up!
warm start: Turns over fine, then sounds like the battery is dying. Then, let off the key, try again, cranks over and starts. I will agree, it sounds like the starter, but it is reasonably new.

[lethal289]

If its cranking fine, i'd doubt its the starter, take it to a local parts store (Auto zone, Advanced Auto, Pepboys), some where they can check the battery and alternator.  I think its a charging issue, although that doesnt explain why it starts when its cold.  Maybe a short some where?

[blue65coupe]

If it's starting on a cold crank and it is in the electrical system, the time between cranks (cold cranks) could be allowing the battery to charge back up if it is juiced.  If running juices it down, that's symptomatic of an alternator issue.  Doesn't necessarily explain why it's not firing after a run.  Between you, Derek's problem (now solved) and my issue I have but one question:  Does Bush like Mustangs?

[beach pony]

If it's starting on a cold crank and it is in the electrical system, the time between cranks (cold cranks) could be allowing the battery to charge back up if it is juiced.  If running juices it down, that's symptomatic of an alternator issue.  Doesn't necessarily explain why it's not firing after a run.  Between you, Derek's problem (now solved) and my issue I have but one question:  Does Bush like Mustangs?

No, it's Bush's fault!

[cmayna]

The way BP explained it to me on the phone was that yes, cold crank and it fires up.  But upon a warm crank, it initially cranks at proper speed but quickly slows down (the cranking).  So maybe it is the alt, not charging the battery correctly.  Have it tested.

[midpack]

Hope you figure this out.... mine does the same thing  :pop

[blue65coupe]

Is it just slowing down or is it more of a real long drag?  Not a Craig type drag, but a starter drag.  If it's just slowing down check the battery and alternator first.  Run it up to an Advance or something and they can test under load to tell you if both are good.

[Midlife]

I'll bet the starter cable is beginning to get corrosion.  A corroded cable, when it gets hot, has higher resistance than when cold.  The more you crank it, the slower the cranking speed, as more current is being used, which brings down the voltage.

[daveSanborn]

I'll bet the starter cable is beginning to get corrosion.

[/i] [/b]

I thinking the same thing.... how old are the battery cables?

Test battery = free

Test Starter = free

Test Alternator = free

When all of these have checked good, try replacing the battery cables.

[beach pony]

Battery cables are about 18 months old. I'm gonna check all the cables to make sure they are tight, then run it up to Advance and have them check the battery and the alternator.

[beach pony]

Alright Gents, got one of these fancy schmancy battery, alternator and starter testers from the shop and hooked it up to the car this afternoon. Based on what this thing showed, my alternator is good, my battery is good and the starter needs to be replaced. It was showing about 9.2 V and the idiot light on the devise said replace starter. Battery and alternator got the green light! They checked out. Damn starter! I bought it back in May of 08. I'll bet I haven't started the car 40 times since then. I wonder, even though it's 14 months old if NAPA will warranty it. I'm not real happy about this. Feel like I got the you know what! :ky :mid

[silverblueBP]

Get you a high torque mini if you haven't already!

[beach pony]

Get you a high torque mini if you haven't already!

Why's that Mark?

[silverblueBP]

More header clearance cause it's smaller, spins the motor over effortlessly, easy to install and remove since it's smaller and the biggest reason.....I've not had a starter problem in 5 years, period.

What's a few extra bucks?

[beach pony]

I gotcha. Thanks for the tip!

[beach pony]

Alright guys, today, I did what I should have done first, and Dave and Mid, y'all were probably right. I tightened all of the cables on the battery, the starter and the starter solenoid and what do ya know. Put the tester on and the starter checked out ok. Cut the car off and started again, turned over no problem. Might take it for a ride later to be sure on the warm crank, but I suspect all is well. Sometimes I guess I overlook the obvious. Nothing I touched seem to be loose, but I did give everything a little extra turn.