Starter cranking is slow
 

1994 accord ex

My battery is fresh, the terminals were cleaned up good.

My starter is cranking extremely slow in cold weather now. Today it clicked or buzzed, but the sound didnt sound good. Tried it again, the engine cranked slow and finally started up. When the starter does work, it cranks extremely slow. Is this the sign of a starter dieing? Why does cold weather bring out the worse in a bad starter if it is the starter?

Is the starter located in the transmission housing? Looks like only two bolts holding it in place, should be a breeze to swap out with the car on ramps.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Starter cranking is slow (bluskye)
 

Try jump starting the car from another using this procedure:

On the Donor Car (the Jump(er)):
Red cable to the Positive battery terminal
Black cable to the Negative battery terminal

on the Victim Car (Your's)
Red Cable to the Positive Battery Terminal
Black Cable to any Chassis Ground (Engine bracket, etc)(<U>Anywhere BUT </U>the negative Battery terminal.

What this does is effectively bypass your battery and allows the starter to operate entirely by the other car's electrical system.

IF the starter responds favorably, your problem lies with your Battery (believe it or not). If it does not, then suspect the starter or the cables connected to it.

P

Re: Starter cranking is slow (P_Adams)
 

Thanks. The battery is 2 weeks old. The older battery had the same problem too. I know my alternator is working since the car has never died on me during driving. I will check the starter and cables.

Re: Starter cranking is slow (bluskye)
 

Mr P-Adams has given you the most effective diagnostic you could ask for https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Re: Starter cranking is slow (bluskye)
 

You'll have to excuse me again, 'cuz another light-bulb has since turned on.
You mention you've had two batteries do this???

Have you had the alternator AND it's drive belt checked? You may be running into a condition whereas the alternator is not able to fully recharge the battery fast enough for your driving style (real short trips).
When I start running into multiple battery failures in a single car, I not only start getting those warm/fuzzy feelings, but I also start looking for whats CAUSING them to fail.

P

Re: Starter cranking is slow (P_Adams)
 

Actually, the older battery was ok. I drive 20 miles in one direction to work, so none of the issues I have are with short trips not allowing the battery to charge. I previously thought my battery was dead, so i replaced it. It was due anyways since I got the car, and I didnt know how old it was. The battery and alternator are in good shape.

Im thinking the starter is dieing since it clicked clicked today. Turned the key again and it finnally started cranking, but really slowly. Its been cranking slowly on cold cold days for awhile, but today (5 degrees F) the click confirmed my suspicion of a dieng starter.

Re: Starter cranking is slow (bluskye)
 

Ok then, It's a point I needed clarifing (Thanks)
I'd then suggest the jump start test I suggested earlier.

P

Starter is easy to take off, although the bottom bolt may give you some issues because of the way it is recessed.

Re: (94accordsedan)
 

Thanks for all the help!! https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Got a replacement starter, cranks like a beast now!

Re: (bluskye)
 

Good to hear. And thanks for the "That Fixed it!!" report.

P