Starting problem

[redsho]

Folks,
I've been having some car problems lately:
Car takes 4-7 very long cranks to start the car. Battery is 5 months old, starter 2 months old. Could it be spark plugs?

The heat (climate control) radomly turns off & on while driving & very check engine and/or abs lights come on for a while then dissappear. Seems like the car now has a mine of it's own. Any ideas folks to fix this problem?

 

[Rockledge]

If your CEL is coming on then you have trouble codes stored. So to begin with, you must pull the codes:

http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

As for the ABS lights, you migh want to read through this very informative thread:

http://www.shoforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=002026

If you pull the codes and post them here, people will be able to help you out, I'm sure.

Generally speaking, you might try turning the ignition on and off several times before cranking the engine to allow the fuel pump to fully prime the system. If this helps the "hard start" condition, then you probably have fuel delivery issues.

But you want to check the codes no matter what...

 

[munkee]

After checing your codes you might want to check your battery. I know it's only 5 months old but I had that problem two years ago and it turned out to be the battery. Climate control and the stereo would turn off and on sporadically while driving. If it is your battery, it would be a good idea to check your alternator too.

 

[redsho]

munkee:
After checing your codes you might want to check your battery. I know it's only 5 months old but I had that problem two years ago and it turned out to be the battery. Climate control and the stereo would turn off and on sporadically while driving. If it is your battery, it would be a good idea to check your alternator too.

I highly doubt it's the battery (quite an expensive Die Hard that was warranty replaced - old one lasted 3 1/2 years). No other electrical problem except those 2 random shutoff by Climate Control. I would sooner suspect the alternator. I will check the codes first per recommendation from rockledge when I get the chance, then go from there.

 

[AutoSHO]

This is a ground problem. Check the main ground wire from the battery to the starter, and clean the terminals on both ends. Also clean up all the terminals to remove any corrosion. Remove and clean the charging wire from the alternator as well.

Does the starting problem only happen once in a while?

There is a ground strap on the back passenger side of the intake, make sure it is connected!

<small>[ February 17, 2004, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: AutoSHO ]</small>