Engine taking a split second longer to start

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Aug 20, 2015 | 12:29 PM

Downtuned

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2012

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From: Tennessee

Engine taking a split second longer to start

Quick question. When I hit my ignition button, the car seems to have a bit of a lag time than it usually does to start up (the engine sounds a bit more sluggish when turning over). I am assuming it is due to my battery, since Lexus recommended I go ahead and get a new one, due to it being about 40% life left. Also, awhile back Lexus recommended I change my spark plugs.

My question is, do you think it is my battery, or spark plugs? I understand it would be tough to tell if you don't actually hear the car start, but I do not have a video, so I am taking an educated guess at this point. Also, am I potentially setting myself up for something else to damage or fail if I take a week or so to fix the problem?

Thanks to all you educated guessers!

Aug 20, 2015 | 12:51 PM

flowrider

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From: Arizona

Sounds like the battery. How many miles on the plugs?

Lou

Aug 20, 2015 | 01:24 PM

Downtuned

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2012

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From: Tennessee

Not sure the miles unfortunately, think im just gonna buy a battery and see if that fixes the issue. Car has 130k though.

Aug 20, 2015 | 02:18 PM

Gville350

Moderator

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From: South Carolina

If you're on the OE Panasonic battery, it's about time for a replacement. LOL!

Aug 21, 2015 | 07:47 AM

jstites

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Aug 2015

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From: FL

I have been noticing this lately as well, I have a brand new battery. I am interested to see how this turns out for you!

Aug 21, 2015 | 10:25 AM

5nX37

Pit Crew

Joined: Sep 2014

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From: California

I experience the same thing too even after I replaced my spark plugs a week ago. 122k miles currently. Curious to know if it's the battery as well... Wouldn't mind replacing the Costco battery from previous owner, with a new Optima Red Top..

Aug 21, 2015 | 10:45 AM

Bichon

CL Community Team

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 5,697

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From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5nX37

I can't see any way that worn spark plugs could possibly cause slow cranking. As flowrider and others have said, the battery is the usual suspect.

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Aug 22, 2015 | 09:46 PM

smokyis350

Lexus Champion

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From: california

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstites

I have been noticing this lately as well, I have a brand new battery. I am interested to see how this turns out for you!

Same... I have a brand new battery also.

Aug 23, 2015 | 11:09 AM

#10

Downtuned

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 406

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From: Tennessee

I will certainly come back to this thread once I get a new battery. I will also check the needle once I get back in my car later. Thanks for the input, I will keep you all informed.

Aug 25, 2015 | 02:24 PM

#11

Downtuned

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2012

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From: Tennessee

Quick update, the speedometer needle does completely swing left and right when starting up the vehicle.

Aug 25, 2015 | 11:46 PM

#12

srt1

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 642

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From: YaY Area

We'll if you others have a new batt and are experiencing the same thing then it's something else. Check your batt first. Fully charge it. How are the cables, starter ect?

Aug 26, 2015 | 10:35 AM

#13

KietV

Registered User

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 50

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From: Texas

You sure you're not just pushing the button a lil slower lol

Sep 8, 2015 | 08:50 AM

#14

Emoney0826

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 10

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From: Wisconsin

Similar issue with my '06 IS350. The last couple of days, it feels a little sluggish when cranking. It starts every time, but doesn't sound like normal. Batteries Plus checked my battery but said that the battery was fine. I'm hoping it's not a starter issue. I've heard it's a pain in the *** to replace and expensive for someone else to do it.