Starting Probem Help

[lagrassa]

I usually have fully charged batteries to begin with, but sometimes after the car is shut down, then trying to restart, the batteries seems to run out very quickly. Three or four tries is all that I get sometimes. Any ideas on whether to isolate or test the batteries and/or starter motor?

[dickster]

sounds like battery. get it checked by a dealer.

failing that, the charging system.....

[john70t]

The batteries should be around 12.6V at rest. 12.2V is about 50% charged(not good for them to stay there long). If one if low, refill only with distilled water only to the line a little above the plates. Also, check the voltage level while cranking-it should be above 10V.

But 2 batterys should still have plenty-o-juice to spin the engine even if one is weak. It sounds like it's engaging properly but not stong enough to turn the engine. Check the battery connections as well-pretty important.

I had the same situation but the batterys were good and the starter was not. It was replaced with a high-torque starter and catches after half a second now....what a difference!

If your gonna change your starter, disconnect both batterys, clean the tranny(especially around the starter) well, and get ready to snake your right arm around to get to the top bolt. I think it's a hex and an extension is neccessary. Not the funnest job but

You may also have to (probably not) index (change position of the starter to the mounting plate) and route wires/hoses so they aren't rubbing on anything. Having a big battery wire short to the chassis is "not a good thing" as Martha Stewart says.

[lagrassa]

Thanks. John. The batteries at rest are about 12.7v fully charged, and the connections at the batteries are clean and tight. I am beginning to suspect the starter. Going to a high torque starter may be the answer if the batteries check out under load.

[dickster]

The batteries at rest are about 12.7v fully charged

that doesn't mean they're ok. its how well they hold their charge that counts. they need to be load tested.

i am not saying its not the starter - just got to test batteries properly first.