trouble starting in the morning

[calixt0]

Hey all, Long time lurker here,
I have been having a problem with my starter. When I go out first thing in the morning it wont start. It just clicks, serveral times and then it will finally start up as usual. this only happens after the car has sat for overnight. If it sits while at work it just starts right up with no problems. have any of you had a similar problem and if so what did you do to fix it. I am thinking replacing the starter but wanted to check prior to spending the money.

Calixt0

[woa_its_j3ff]

i had a problem like that before.
Turns out it was the positive terminal on the battery (too much corrosion) so I replaced that.
check that or..
check throttle body
spark plugs

just to name a few.

[pvanbuskirk]

I have a 1999 V6 with 88k miles that has been having similar issues - starting is a bit flaky.

Just got a 90k service performed and they recommended replacing the starter because it was "starting to fail". No more explanation than that, and with nearly a $500 price tab I opted to wait it out.

The battery tested OK at 80%. No idea on throttle body or spark plugs - I may have a friend look at those for me as I know nothing about cars.

[DesertFlamingoSolara]

The guy I bought my car from did his 90k service and had the same problem with the starter. They found the starter solenoid contacts worn out, so they removed the starter and replaced the solenoid contacts. Car runs great.

[(K)]

Sounds like your battery is starting to go. Batteries usually have a harder time starting in the colder temperatures. Have someone bring a voltmeter and measure your voltage across the two terminals in the morning. Then again at work around mid day or when its been sitting at the parking lot for a while.

You're trying not to go under ~12.6 volts. If you are, bring it to an autozone or autoparts store that will charge your battery for you and go from there.

As with anything electrical related, always start with the battery...