Gspeed22

When i crank the car over, the lights come on, but the starter dosen't engage. The Second time, i get a weak crank, by the third time its almost gives me a full turn. By the 4-5times its fires up.
I checked the battery with a multi-meter,its fine, (cleaned the connectors).

Before i had a dimming problems when the car was running, interior lights and head likes would dimm, but it stopped recently.(not sure why)

Could it be the Starter? and how of a pain in the butt is the job smile.gif

REDZMAN

I'd be pretty sure it's the starter.

I've never replaced one, but Cysco here in the forums has, PM him and ask.

Casper

Before you jump on the starter... Did you test the battery under Load? The voltage can look good under no load, but under load can drop. I would check this, for it is easier than tearing out the starter.

To check under load, hook the multi-meter up and monitor it. Have someone try cranking the car over. See what the volts read.

I would suggest this first (I would think the Alt is fine, since you said the lights were dimming and assuming you didnt have to manually charge the battery).

silvertibbs

I tried answering this earlier but i dunno what happened. I think I had the same problem last year. Has this been happening since the cold weather started???

If it has it might be that your Intake Manifold is warped, messing up your A/F mix. Last year during that really cold spell in January, my car would have trouble starting. It would turn over almost catch and then die. I'd try it again and it would almost catch, then it would die. Like yours around the 4th or 5th time it started. It got worse as it got colder, I actually couldn't start it some days. Check to see it it's warped at all and if there is an air leak. Basically the engine was sucking in air after the MAF so it wasn't dumpnig fuel. Might be worth a look.

Gspeed22

i will check the battery under load tomorrow.... its easy too do..

Silvertibbs, the car has been doing this for the past 2 weeks, when the weather is cold.
How do i check if the intake is wraped or not?

silvertibbs

It's tough man, you should be able to hear a sucking sound if you listen near the intake side of the block while the car is running. Put your hand around where the gasket should be, and feel if there is any suction (???) If it isn't starting then you should be able to feel where the hole/gap is. You could even take it to a mechanic and get them to look at it.

If you feel up to it you can take it off and look at it. YOu should be able to tell what the problem is. Hope it helps.

Gspeed22

I didn't run the car all day yesturday, and today i went to crank it over, thinking it would give me problems.
But it started fine.... not a problem.. on the first try....

silvertibbs

Seriously man I was in your exact same position last year. It would work sometimes then it wouldn't. Today was slightly warmer than earlier days though.

01roller

the starter is such a PITA to remove, cuz you cant even see it ..... if you end up needing to pull it off pm me and ill help you the best i can.

Gspeed22

Thanks for your assistance 01roller. If i need to remove it i will keep in touch.

Slivertibbs, how did you fix your problem, where was your leak?