Q: Car sometimes sluggish to start

asked by on February 17, 2016

I purchased a new battery recently. Sometimes the car is sluggish to start, requiring three or four attempts before it finally turns over. This only happens every so often.

Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

There are several things that come to mind. First of all proper connection and cleanliness of the terminals is important. Terminals should be clean and tight. If the fault is intermittent, the other possible issue could be a faulty starter. Starters can have dead sections internally. When it cranks, the part that has the dead section spins. If it happens to fall right on the dead part, it will have trouble starting or not start at all. A qualified technician can do a starting system test to help diagnose why the car is having a hard time starting.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine idles rough and jumps between 500 and 1200RPM when shift from Drive to Reverse; Check engine light on
You may have a couple of separate issues: The flashing Check Engine Light under heavy load is most likely an ignition system misfire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-problems-with-the-ignition-system-cause-misfiring_2). This could be something like a coil pack or worn spark plugs. These engines are known...
Unable to go past 70-80 Km when going up a hill. Code P0174 with flashing engine light
Hello. A flashing Check Engine Light is an indicator that the computer has detected an issue that may potentially cause harm to the vehicle's emission system components. The code P0174 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0174-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-2-by-blake-griffin) indicates a lean condition on bank 2 of the...
My temperature is reading cold, almost to the bottom. Is this normal?
Hey there. The cold reading (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/3-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-temperature-gauge) could mean that your thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) is stuck open or the cooling fan (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-radiator-fan-motor-replacement) is running all of the time. It could also mean a problem with the sender or gauge (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-gauge-sender-replacement). Have a...
Car jerks when shifting into reverse gear
I think you are correct - the transmission is in "limp" mode. Have a professional mechanic check for problem codes to indicate what the fault might be. This is an important "next step" because that problem may not be with...
If I go through a puddle, even one that is not deep, my engine stalls out. Mechanic told me to avoid puddles.
Hi, thanks for writing in. A lot time when this happens, it is due to a bad belt, or the belt is being soiled by oil and fluid from the car. The belt tensioner also could be weak, allowing the...
EOT 250 degrees normal driving while ECT is 194 degrees
Hi there. Check the turbo and make sure that its functioning correctly and you have good boost. If the turbo is working properly, then there may be a plugged catalytic converter on the exhaust system making the engine overheat. This...
Back up lights stay on in all gears
If you can remove fuse number 5 in the fuse box under left side of dash turns off the lights when you have the vehicle running then you have a shorted neutral safety switch on the transmission. You should replace...
Do any of your mechanics work on a 1972 Ford Bronco in zip code 75034 ?
Hi there. We have a few mobile mechanics in the Frisco area, so if you'd like to see if one of them could come to your location to complete an oil / filter change and top off fluids on your...
Truck overheated. Didn't have any water in it. WAter was put in it and now it won't start. Sounds like it wants to turn but it won
If you overheated the engine and have a blown head gasket then coolant may have filled the cylinders and caused it to lock up. You will need to have spark plugs taken out and see what cylinder are full of...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Accord
The The 2012 Honda Accord has a lot to offer. From great fuel economy to comfortable features and a sleek, modern look, it’s no wonder so many people love the Accord. Though, unlike the Civic, Honda has yet to offer...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Fisherman
What What do anglers look for, specifically, in their vehicles? Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, and sometimes, the ability to handle rough terrain. Some fishermen also want the option of towing a boat. With that in mind, we...
How to Replace an Electronic Ignition Pickup
The electronic ignition pickup is part of the ignition distributor. Signs of failure include intermittent misfiring or failure all at once.