TL having rough starts, is it the starter, battery, neither?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-12-2011, 01:35 PM
  #1  
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
403 UA6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 85
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TL having rough starts, is it the starter, battery, neither?

Hi,

I've already done a search but my problem seems a little different.

So my 2006 TL began having rough starts a few weeks ago (even in room temperature). When I turn the key, the engine turns real slowly before starting up. The interior lights will dim as the car tries to start.

Once it starts then there is no problems afterwards. One thing I noticed is that immediately after starting up the time on the dash will sometimes display as 1:00 (regardless of acutal time) for about five seconds before the correct time is shown.

As well, when the engine is off, all the power windows, stereo, etc. work fine and do not show signs of struggling.

These signs lead me to believe that the problem is with my starter and not the battery. Any insight? thanks
Old 09-12-2011, 01:45 PM
  #2  
Instructor
 
ashdec87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
sounds like your battery for sure.
The following users liked this post:
403 UA6 (09-14-2011)
Old 09-12-2011, 02:56 PM
  #3  
#GOBULLS
iTrader: (1)
 
RyanCHICL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago Suburbs, IL
Age: 36
Posts: 1,234
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
I have been having a similar problem with my 04 but I think mine is fuel related. Please, keep us posted if you find a solution.
Old 09-12-2011, 03:46 PM
  #4  
the overexplainer
 
ez12a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: OC, CA
Age: 36
Posts: 3,287
Received 385 Likes on 337 Posts
take it to autozone or similar to get the battery checked
The following users liked this post:
403 UA6 (09-14-2011)
Old 09-12-2011, 04:31 PM
  #5  
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
403 UA6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 85
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ez12a
take it to autozone or similar to get the battery checked
Bringing it into crappy tire for a battery test this week, will update on results!
Old 09-12-2011, 05:47 PM
  #6  
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
403 UA6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 85
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ashdec87
sounds like your battery for sure.
Just curious, what are the obvious signs that suggest that the battery is the problem as opposed to the starter? Thanksoii
Old 09-12-2011, 06:47 PM
  #7  
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
 
swoosh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes on 4,064 Posts
weak battery or loose terminals...
The following users liked this post:
403 UA6 (09-14-2011)
Old 09-12-2011, 07:26 PM
  #8  
Registered 3.5L Member
 
BigPZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: T.O.
Posts: 1,587
Received 154 Likes on 137 Posts
+1 on battery...
The following users liked this post:
403 UA6 (09-14-2011)
Old 09-12-2011, 10:25 PM
  #9  
Desert Life Sucks!!
iTrader: (2)
 
sauceja's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Land of Entrapment
Age: 46
Posts: 3,455
Received 673 Likes on 500 Posts
trying to start your car takes alot of load from your battery.

Running the alternator can keep a charge more than battery loss so symptoms not so apparent.

On not started doesn't draw as much from a battery so stuff works.

Your battery could be holding charge ok but the cranking amps may be getting old. Check the water level in battery if possible but probably too late especially after a hot summer.

Dumbest way I could put it.
The following users liked this post:
403 UA6 (09-14-2011)
Old 09-14-2011, 12:33 PM
  #10  
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
403 UA6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 85
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So first thing I tried was cleaning the battery terminals. They were relatively free of corrosion so I didn't think they were the problem and they weren't.

Replaced the battery and presto, problem solved. You guys nailed it, thanks
Old 09-14-2011, 06:16 PM
  #11  
Desert Life Sucks!!
iTrader: (2)
 
sauceja's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Land of Entrapment
Age: 46
Posts: 3,455
Received 673 Likes on 500 Posts
Glad your TL is back in business
Old 09-14-2011, 06:47 PM
  #12  
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
 
swoosh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes on 4,064 Posts
Old 09-15-2011, 06:21 AM
  #13  
Three Wheelin'
 
flyromeo3's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA/ NY/ FL
Posts: 1,773
Received 166 Likes on 140 Posts
I recently had to change mine in addition to my sisters TSX, my neighbors accord and his wife's CRV.

Yeah,...our batteries are a .p.o.s
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mada51589
3G TL Problems & Fixes
79
05-03-2022 08:54 PM
Powder Monkey
2G CL Problems & Fixes
11
09-09-2018 12:55 AM
obert
Car Parts for Sale
45
12-14-2015 11:36 PM
scionxb3003
3G TL Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
5
09-14-2015 01:52 AM
NSolace
2G TL Problems & Fixes
1
09-03-2015 08:14 PM



Quick Reply: TL having rough starts, is it the starter, battery, neither?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:34 PM.