Trouble starting car in the morning/after sitting for multi-hour periods

[glenn1]

Was hoping the collective automotive wisdom of ATOT can provide an answer to what's annoying me (and maybe give me a ballpark on the costs of fixing it).

I have a 1994 Acura Integra, approx. 147k miles. Single owner, well-maintained, etc. For a couple weeks now I've been having difficulties starting the car in the morning (this began right around the time spring began). When I turn the key, nothing happens except for a slight metallic "click" noise - the engine doesn't turn over, nothing. After several tries I can generally get it started but it's still a bit of a weak start and I have to throttle it up for the first few seconds. This occurs both in the morning, and sometimes also later in the day when the car has been sitting turned off for a while. The lights weren't left on, and the battery was changed just a few months ago, air filter spark plugs and all the other typical consumables have all been regularly changed.

Any idea of what gives? Starter? Alternator?

 

[arcenite]

I'm no mechanic but my guess is it is your starter. If it was your battery and you were getting a *click*, there's no way you'd ever get it started without a jump. It is not your alternator, your alternator has nothing to do with your car starting. I believe it is your starter.

 

[imported_Trippin315]

I think that is correct. but I am not sure.

 

[Baked]

Are you the "I'll fix everything myself" type or have you never taken your car to an autobody shop during the 147k mile you've driven the car?

 

[swtethan]

i had that problem, its your battery cable

1994 civic EX 150k miles

 

[slag]

agree with the poster above me, corroded battery cable, or weak ground.

starter is probably fine.

 

[Black88GTA]

Starters will sometimes get a "dead spot" in them that will cause this. Next time it happens, have a friend hold the key on while you lightly tap the starter with a hammer. If it fires up when you tap it, it's the starter.

 

[jlee]

Clean your battery terminals too.

 

[Ornery]

1. It's the relay/solenoid. We just went over this! Where's that stinkin' thread...

Damn, the search function is fuxxored, but I found it.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: slag
agree with the poster above me, corroded battery cable, or weak ground.

starter is probably fine.

My guess as well.

 

[Ornery]

1. YACT to pass into oblivion with no mention of the resolution... typical.

 

[Ornery]

1. ...just typical. :roll:

 

[fitzov]

First rule of electronics--check the connections

check cables from the battery and starter for corrosion, then check battery, then check starter, then check alternator / voltage regulator

 

[Falloutboy]

yup I had this problem with a couple cars, once it was the battery cable being coroded, the second time it was the starter

 

[glenn1]

YACT to pass into oblivion with no mention of the resolution... typical.

Haven't had the time to do anything with the car, so no resolve yet. Probably will start with the battery cable and then try all the suggestions in turn until I find the culprit. Thanks to all who offered insight

 

[Ornery]

1. I couldn't sleep at night if one of my cars didn't work right, but thanks for the update. :thumbsup:

 

[Eli]

Starter solenoid is going out.

Get a new starter, no big deal.

Edit: But of course check battery connections first.

 

[glenn1]

I couldn't sleep at night if one of my cars didn't work right, but thanks for the update.

I have family visiting so I already can't sleep at night, plus I'm more than happy to allow my father to drive his brand new Toyota Highlander around instead of my broke-ass Integra

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Eli
Starter solenoid is going out.

Get a new starter, no big deal.

Edit: But of course check battery connections first.

:thumbsup: When he said "click", the first thing that popped into my head was "solenoid".