Car seems slow to turn over...?

Question

Lately, when I turn the key to crank the engine and start my car, it seems to take longer than usual. Granted, I know that I need an oil change, but am not sure if this can be a cause for the problem. The car is still fairly new (2001) and doesn't seem like it should be acting like this. Can there be any other cause to this problem beyond a need for an oil change?

If there's a chance that a part will need to be replaced, might anyone have an idea as to how much this will cost me?

Answer 1

Get the battery tested. Since your vehicle is going on 6 yrs old. Battery is most likely on its last bit of life.

Answer 2

Clean and tighten the battery cables before you spend a dime on anything else.

If a failure, take the car to a auto parts chain store, they will usually be able to test the charging system on the car in the parking lot.

If the charging system is good, check all the electrical connections at the starter. Still bad remove the starter for testing.

Good luck. Unless you check under the hood regularly, my money is on loose and/or corroded battery terminals.

Answer 3

In order of cheapest to replace:
1. Clogged air filter
2. Poor current
3. Bad starter

Get your oil changed and have them replace the filter and test the battery. Most likely that will fix it.

Answer 4

Battery and charging system sound fine.

The engine is not starting as quickly as it used too.
But it is starting. So sorry most previous posters.

Assume new without any maintenance performed- YES?
You posted everything I needed BUT what you did or did not do...
HENCE my assumption of zero maintenance to date.

The increased resistance to starting with OLD oil is slight(however future FAILURE high expense repairs due to lack of oil changes guaranteed. UNLESS damage has already occurred(loss of compression due to dirty oil grinding away rings at pistons) you can do some quick fixes/maintenance.

$20 or less buy a new air filter. Replacing this on newer cars is one of the two items of maintenace that should be done yearly.
(Not counting the monthly tire air checks/ fluids glance at fill ups- and it is normal for cars to use/burn a little oil so checking it at least monthly very GOOD idea)

Buy proper oil and filter and changing yearly is the other(but its synthetic and doesn't break down... if synthetic oil that's true BUT the microscopic debris that gets past air filter is what you want removed from your engine(okay every other year if pure synthetic).

So air filter and oil filter/oil shouild be done. AT ONCE and if lucky your car will be like new... DAMAGE from neglecting oil is what always mechanics to stay busy.

Eventually plugs and plug wires(especially if worse when damp in morning or raining) BUT the air filter will probably do the trick. Simple.

Don't mention type vehicle so price impossible. Domestic less than imports. More than twenty dollars possible but call parts r us and ask the price for your vehicle. They'll probably install for you for free- ask(and watch). When removing air cover housing remove leaves etc that might cause trouble before opening housing. Damp tissue can pick up grit/sand inside housing. Rubber around filter and resting spot in housing should be clean.

Let me know but believe air filter will make you happy.(And at least check oil if not able to change- buy properweight oil at discount store to add if needed). Parts r us will be slightly higher BUT if they help you do it... Thirty dollars should cover filter, quart of oil(if needed) and an air gage(but I would invest $10 more for a good air gage- last forever).

Oil change may be on sale near you but check as some places cheaper but not worth it- and always check your oil yourself when they finish and at next fill up- they occasionally forget to put oil in (happened to two people I know-hey I thought you put the oil in- or left nut/filter loose and you want to catch it b4 all the oil drains out(one loose filter(caught by noticing leak and one engine loss- they stripped drain plugnut and it fell out ion highway)!

Give me feed back as I like to know...

Answer 5

Put in a new battery, clean the battery cables, and hope you don't have to replace the alternator. Good luck.

Answer 6

i dont think that the oil change has anything to do with your problem.start with checking your battery and your charging system.

Answer 7

battery, cables, starter, new altinater good. my ford freestar still wont start and it is turning slow help

Answer 8

cables.battery,or starter sounds like. Check the cables first

Answer 9

It's just crappy gas.