Last couple of months my car has taken a few cranks before it catches and starts.

Thought it was probably the starter going out. haven't noticed any power issues, lights are bright, radio is loud. Just slow starting. If I drive the car, turn it off and try to start it a little later it will start right up. So it seems somewhat dependent on how long the car sits.

Drove my car to work today, and went to get lunch about 5hrs later. Car doesn't even click. Lights and radio come on fine though. Had to push start the car.

When I got home I was able to start the car again, but I'm betting by the morning that will change.

I can't imagine it is the original battery(2003), though it is a mini battery. Has some German on it with a green, yellow and black dot. I'm assuming it's referring to the little black dot that is next to it telling me it's dead, but I don't think I've ever seen it any other color.

Thoughts? Suggestions on replacement battery?

 

Easy check: Put a volt meter across the terminals of the battery while a helper tries to start the engine. If the volts drop sharply (to anything below 10-11 volts) while the stater is engaged, then the battery is toast. If not, then look towards the starter motor.

 

I'll bet two donuts that you need a new battery. How long have you owned the car? If the battery is more than 4 years old it is VERY suspect.


Wanna test to see if that's the problem - jump it from a known good


If it were me I'd be buying a GOOD battery .... cheap batteries just burn you down the road. ANY good auto supply can sell you a good quality battery that fits.

 

I have the battery on a charger right now, so I will let that finish before I try the volt meter. I've owned the car less then a year, so no idea how old the battery is.

 

go buy a good battery

 

It is the battery. Sounds like you have the original battery in there. It owes you nothing at this point. Listen to the Captain and get yourself a good battery. It should last you several years.

 

Well, got a new oem mini battery. Seemed to solve the problem... until it didn't.

Exact same problem as before, go to start the car and it will not crank. This has happened to me several times and I've had to push start it. Eventually it just starts working again though. I'm really beginning to think it's a loose connection and am going to crawl under the car and check everything first chance I get.

Does anybody else have any other ideas?