Strange Starting Issue?

[upstateavant]

I couldn't find a thread similar.

The other day my car wouldn't start on the first try. I turned the key and I could hear the starter motor spinning but it seemed to not engage the engine. Second try it started normally. This is becoming a more frequent problem. Seems to only happen when the engine is cold. It start first try after the car is warmed up.

I'm assuming I have a bad starter, but want to make sure. Has anyone had a similar problem. Thanks.

[oldblu]

You may not be getting the same amount of cranking amps when it's cold. Every battery doesn't crank as many amps when it's cold. That's probably your issue.

Does it slowly start up?

[sirmeeps]

I couldn't find a thread similar.

The other day my car wouldn't start on the first try. I turned the key and I could hear the starter motor spinning but it seemed to not engage the engine. Second try it started normally. This is becoming a more frequent problem. Seems to only happen when the engine is cold. It start first try after the car is warmed up.

I'm assuming I have a bad starter, but want to make sure. Has anyone had a similar problem. Thanks.

sounds like the solenoid isnt working properly maybe take it apart and clean or just replace it....Im not sure on cleaning it because Ive never taken one of our apart or had it in my hands but Ive rebuilt countless starters in my diesel class

[le91688]

i bet its your battery dying

[oldblu]

^ People really overlook the battery, don't they?

[upstateavant]

maybe its the battery, but when it does start it sounds completely normal, no strain at all and the lights don't dim.

[seeknstrike]

I dont know much, but ill chip in. Teeth on the starter / flywheel? I had a car where the flywheel was missing a few teeth and the starter would spin. If it happends again, id take the starter our and check it / bench test it. just my 2 cents