my car will not start

[OrangeMustangGt]

I have had this ongoing problem when my car is warm it will not start...it cranks VERY slow and clicks loudly.... I have been through 2 autozone batteries, and i just went out and bought an optima redtop....I just got back from vacation for a week and the battery was dead...

So, I have eaither a starter issue or a alt issue....something is backfeeding....and like i said it hates to start when its warm...so im leaning twords starter....anyone have any similar issues?

 

[HISSIN50]

But after a charge of the battery or a jump, it cranks normally? Just checking that the ground pathways are ok.

Hook up your meter in series with the disconnected negative battery cable and terminal. See what draw there is and start pulling fuses till it goes away. If it doesnt, disconnect the alternator's charge cable and see if it goes away.

Good luck Kyle.

 

[OrangeMustangGt]

Thanks for the reply...i didn't figure i would get a ton of answers on this, because it is driving me nuts trying to figure it out. First of all, it only does it when i drive for a while, so generally its at a store, etc where i get the REAL slow cranking and i have never tried jumping it because it eventually does start...but its struggling REAL BAD....

Thanks for the idea on disconnecting fusees, etc...good idea to track down what is draining my battery...

One question though, when you connect a battery, there is a spark...meaning current draw.....how much will the car draw in the off position on a normal car? I will check mine....

 

[HISSIN50]

I dont have a factory spec on current draw but it should be well under 100 mA (0.1 amps). Remember to repeg your positive meter lead when you go to do this.

With the slow cranking, since it only occurs when the motor is physically warm, I like your line of thinking. It's probably either a cable issue, ground issue or starter (heat soak) issue. With the cables and connections, they are less efficient when hot, so borderline stuff rears its head when it gets hot.

I generally beef up the wiring and if that doesnt fix it, have the starter bench tested (while it's hot). I might get the car nice and warm and where it wants to crank slowly (in your driveway). Toss jumper cables from the motor to chassis and one from the starter's battery post to the battery's positive terminal (if you can do this easily). If it cranks right up, you know it's time to fix cables.

Good luck bud.