Hello guys, for the past week i've been having trouble starting the car. When i turn the key, it sparks but it doesnt crank. When i try a couple more times it starts. I have a yellow optima battery and it's reading 12.5v when car is not started and 14.6v when started. I do not know what the problem is and im getting grey hair from this issue. I noticed that when i turn the key a lil harder to the right when im turning it. I dont know if it's the starter because i hear a spark to it, but it's not cranking or it's the ignition because when i put extra pressure when im turning the key, it starts. Help ME!!!!!

 

I just recently have the same problem. I'm thinking mine is the starter or the starter solenoid bc i has been starting up every time except i have to turn the key 2 or 3 times till it cranks. and if i'm lucky it does sometimes start up on the first crank. The battery is fine. I'm going to check more into it later in the week if i ever get a wiring diagram

 

check your starter contacts/cable connections on the starter.

 

what about spark plugs? and coils would those be the problems too?

 

ahhh looks like we're facing the same problem.

 

Optima Yellow tops have been known to crap out in as little as two years.

Where are you getting your voltage readings ? Your battery reading should come from your battery terminals ... your charging reading should come from the positive and ground CABLE TERMINALS not the battery.

AFAIK normal charging voltage is from 13.8 - 14.1V. At 14.6 you are slightly overcharging which may indicate that your voltage regulator is starting to fail.

DO NOT TRUST voltage readings from a gauge ..... put a meter on it and be 100% sure.

Since you are actually able to get it started I would look at the ignition switch and see if it is so worn that your not making good contact.

DaveC

 

My car was doing the same thing until I had the starter replaced. Wasn't cheap. $685.

 

Having my starter replaced tomorrow for $450 at my uncles garage. Sweet deal!

 

450 and 600 something for starter? WTH!!!! 180.00 installed by myself.

 

I would have done mine myself but time was of the essence and the weather is turning cold and I'd of had to do the work outside.
So I paid for the convenience of getting it done correctly while I was out of town for the weekend on a motorcycle trip.

Tech told me it was 5 hours labor, and he's fast. It would have taken me at least twice as long.
JimA