Slow/hard cranking when engine is cold
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Slow/hard cranking when engine is cold
I'm having a slow/hard cranking situation when the engine is cold. When I say cold, I mean room temperature (70-80 degrees). I key on, let the fuel pump run and turn off, and then crank. The engine turns over but it takes a few moments for the engine to fire and isn't a "clean" crank (feels labored). Once it's cranked, the engine runs fantastic (smooth idle, strong power, etc.). After the engine warms up, it cranks beautifully.
In short, first crank of the day is slow/hard. Not really an "issue" just wondering if anyone else has run into this and it's something that can be resolved/lessened.
In short, first crank of the day is slow/hard. Not really an "issue" just wondering if anyone else has run into this and it's something that can be resolved/lessened.
Last edited by ChrisLSx; Oct 19, 2017 at 02:43 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
You need to have a battery load test to rule out a old battery,they are usually good for 3/4 years today,make sure the connections are tight and clean,how long have u used that starter.could be time to replace it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 441
From: Arizona
I have almost the same issue. First crank of the day is always labored. Starter will crank and engine will want to fire but “sputters” briefly before finally turning over. Granted, this all opens in less than a second but notice it. Car will start perfectly thereafter. I’ve replaced the starter, plugs, wires. No codes etc. I’ve been meaning to get a fuel pressure gauge.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,628
Likes: 4,074
From: Cape Coral, Florida
I have almost the same issue. First crank of the day is always labored. Starter will crank and engine will want to fire but “sputters” briefly before finally turning over. Granted, this all opens in less than a second but notice it. Car will start perfectly thereafter. I’ve replaced the starter, plugs, wires. No codes etc. I’ve been meaning to get a fuel pressure gauge.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 134
From: Hanover Maryland
Mine does the same thing. Always has. Still does it after a battery replacement, and still does it after letting the key sit in the "On" position for 5-10 seconds before cranking.
Hell my roomates C7 does a similar deal, it's battery is getting a bit old though.
Hell my roomates C7 does a similar deal, it's battery is getting a bit old though.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,628
Likes: 4,074
From: Cape Coral, Florida
MMMM ??...interesting !!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 441
From: Arizona
Same result. I need to get that fp gauge. But I’ve just been so busy fixing other things first. Haha.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I'm having a slow/hard cranking situation when the engine is cold. When I say cold, I mean room temperature (70-80 degrees). I key on, let the fuel pump run and turn off, and then crank. The engine turns over but it takes a few moments for the engine to fire and isn't a "clean" crank (feels labored). Once it's cranked, the engine runs fantastic (smooth idle, strong power, etc.). After the engine warms up, it cranks beautifully.
In short, first crank of the day is slow/hard. Not really an "issue" just wondering if anyone else has run into this and it's something that can be resolved/lessened.
In short, first crank of the day is slow/hard. Not really an "issue" just wondering if anyone else has run into this and it's something that can be resolved/lessened.
Last edited by K-Spaz; Jun 25, 2019 at 01:42 PM.
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