Very Slow Crank

[afunkygbeat]

Ever since it got cold whenever I start my car for the first time that day, the car cranks very very slowly and then makes a very loud screech sound. It starts every time but I'm worried that this could be signs of a serious problem. Nothing has happened every time it cranks slow.

I have done all maintenance including timing belt, seals, water pump, new plugs, etc. Does anybody have any clue if this is serious and what the problem is?

 

[clipto]

Start by checking your starter and your battery.

 

[afunkygbeat]

Start by checking your starter and your battery.

My battery is good. I don't know why but checking the starter completely skipped my mind. Do you think I might have to replace it?

 

[ibreakmytsi]

Is your battery relocated, I have a brand new optima 800cca battery and rand new starter. But my relocated battery makes my car crank a little slow in the sub zero temps.

 

[afunkygbeat]

Is your battery relocated, I have a brand new optima 800cca battery and rand new starter. But my relocated battery makes my car crank a little slow in the sub zero temps.

The battery has not been relocated

 

[needbooost]

Check for any corrosion at the teminals and clean them with baking soda and water, also make sure they are nice and tight. As for the screech try tightening up the belt tensionor on your alternator.

 

[afunkygbeat]

Check for any corrosion at the teminals and clean them with baking soda and water, also make sure they are nice and tight. As for the screech try tightening up the belt tensionor on your alternator.

Thanks for the tip. I was going to look at my alt belt for the noise. that where I thought it might be coming from.

 

[northernawd]

try an oil pan heater, block heater and battery blanket.

 

[BCDSMatt]

I had a similar problem, tightening belts and the fact I had a low amount of oil was the problem.

New oil and belts fixed it for me. You can change oil weight in winter if need be.

 

[WES_393]

Have the battery and alternator been tested? Don't just assume they are good because they still work. A weak battery or failing alternator can still work fine most of the time, but won't perform under stress such as cold weather. The squealing belt itself is a sign that the alternator is under a heavy load or failing.

Motor oil weight can contribute to slow cranking, but unless your using straight 50w it's not the cause. A healthy charging system should be able to power through any reasonable weight oil. I've ran 20w-50 in subfreezing temps and could still start the car in a reasonable time. And that's with a Walmart battery and the original 150k mile start & alternator.

 

[timsturbotalon]

I had some problem with my starter. Then it just wont crank anymore. I replaced it and everything is fine.

 

[afunkygbeat]

Have the battery and alternator been tested? Don't just assume they are good because they still work. A weak battery or failing alternator can still work fine most of the time, but won't perform under stress such as cold weather. The squealing belt itself is a sign that the alternator is under a heavy load or failing.

Motor oil weight can contribute to slow cranking, but unless your using straight 50w it's not the cause. A healthy charging system should be able to power through any reasonable weight oil. I've ran 20w-50 in subfreezing temps and could still start the car in a reasonable time. And that's with a Walmart battery and the original 150k mile start & alternator.

I had the battery tested and the alternator replaced not too long ago. I'm going to get my alternator checked this weekend. Hopefully it isn't a larger issue

 

[kpoage20]

My vote is low voltage caused by bad battery or something is draining your battery

 

[PaqueDSM]

Check the starter, and corrosion on the conections...

 

[huafist]

I also vote starter. You don't have to replace the whole unit, just the contacts inside the starter motor. When they wear a lot, you'll get dragging starts like a drained battery would give. Last time I had to do this was on a 1990 talon about 7 years ago, but if memory serves, the contact kit from advance was like $13.

 

[Stee420aT]

I also vote starter, that screeching sounds like the gear (the one that moves in and retracts). Solenoid is on its way out.