Car has trouble starting intermittently

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-24-2016, 03:39 PM
  #1  
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Yvuru's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 999
Received 133 Likes on 99 Posts
Car has trouble starting intermittently

Hi Guys,

I am trying to figure out why my car has trouble starting, it happens maybe 1 out of every 20 starts. The car won't start and the dash lights disappear when I try to start. To fix this all I have to do is step out the car, lock the doors with the remote fob, unlock the door, get back in and the car starts up with no problem. However the car asks for the navi code when I encounter this. When the car does start, it fires up immediately with no struggle. This happened in the summer of last year but went away until recently.

I have replaced IGP and ACC fuses in the under dash fusebox. I think I might have a grounding problem or a starter problem.

Anyone know what type of issue is this? Also if I had a starter that is going bad would it cause the car to ask me for the navi code upon startup?

I am not a mechanic and am trying my best to figure this out. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated.
Old 06-24-2016, 03:58 PM
  #2  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 47,324
Received 8,754 Likes on 6,751 Posts
Battery terminals
The following users liked this post:
Yvuru (06-25-2016)
Old 06-24-2016, 04:01 PM
  #3  
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Yvuru's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 999
Received 133 Likes on 99 Posts
I took a look at the terminals and it looks (to me) in good shape. I am not seeing any discoloration and the connection looks secure. Is there a test I can to confirm if it is the battery terminals?
Old 06-24-2016, 04:03 PM
  #4  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 47,324
Received 8,754 Likes on 6,751 Posts
Take them off and clean the terminals with a wire brush until they're shiny to ensure a solid connection.
The following users liked this post:
Yvuru (06-25-2016)
Old 06-24-2016, 11:23 PM
  #5  
Registered but harmless
 
Will Y.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 59
Posts: 14,857
Received 1,149 Likes on 775 Posts
Originally Posted by Yvuru
I took a look at the terminals and it looks (to me) in good shape. I am not seeing any discoloration and the connection looks secure. Is there a test I can to confirm if it is the battery terminals?
Pull on the battery cable clamps and try to rotate them on the terminals. If a clamp moves, it wasn't solidly attached to the battery.

Also check the tightness on the ground end on the negative cable and check for corrosion along the positive cable behind the clamp.
Other 3G TL members have experienced loose negative ground connections and corroded positive cables (but never both, FWIW).

Clean and tighten anything that moved.

The Navi asking for a code means the electrical connection or electrical power was lost-- that doesn't happen when the starter is going bad.
The following users liked this post:
Yvuru (06-25-2016)
Old 06-25-2016, 12:03 PM
  #6  
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Yvuru's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 999
Received 133 Likes on 99 Posts
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE REPLIES. One of the terminals (black one) was indeed loose. Thanks again.
Old 06-25-2016, 01:10 PM
  #7  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 47,324
Received 8,754 Likes on 6,751 Posts
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gavriil
Automotive News
537
01-05-2024 08:50 AM
titan
Automotive News
217
03-15-2023 11:33 AM
Carbon Legend
Member Cars for Sale
17
08-05-2016 05:21 PM
nore03
5G TLX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
8
05-04-2016 02:10 PM



Quick Reply: Car has trouble starting intermittently



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:52 AM.