San Jose Auto Repair

A slow morning start can mean two different things: the engine cranks slowly, or it cranks at normal speed but takes longer than usual to fire. Each points to a different set of causes. Sorting which symptom you have is the first step to a clean fix. What “Slow Start” Really Means If the starter turns the engine slowly, think battery, cables, or the starter itself. If the engine spins at normal speed yet needs extra seconds before it catches, look to fuel pressure, air measurement, or sensors that control cold enrichment. A start that fires, stumbles, and dies once may hint at a dirty throttle body or an idle control problem. Cold Batteries and Thick Oil Batteries lose cranking power as temperatures drop. A three to five year old battery can sound fine at noon and struggle at dawn. Corroded terminals or loose grounds add resistance that steals voltage during cranking. Oil viscosity matters too. Using the manufacturer’s specified ... read more