JohnnyCake

Suddenly, SC sounds very strange during start. First three times, didn't start. Whipped out cell phone to record. Fourth time didn't start, fifth time did.

I've attached the recording of the fourth time (non start) and fifth time (started).

Anyone have any suggestions to help diagnose?

Thanks!

Johnny

jonas's RX

Sound like a starter is going out or you have a very weak battery

when did you last change your battery mate ?

JohnnyCake

I replaced the starter a few months ago, but I'll slap a trickle charger on it overnight.

Oddly, after doing the sound in the video three times and not starting, it started on the fourth try and was the rest of the day re-starting. I'm not going to feel very comfortable without a diagnosis though, especially with a long trip coming up.

mrblister

The crank seems a bit slow but it also sounds like a fuel issue . You can check the fuel filter in the gas tank and or measure the fuel pressure. Did you check the battery cables and grounds .
My 2 cents

Helogadget

I had an SC400 that sounded exactly like that and wouldn't start at all. Finally figured out it was nothing more than a weak battery. In my case it somehow flooded the engine with fuel.

Slingshot1

Sounds like fuel starvation to me too, try a can of Seafoam.

mrblister

I use seafoam in all my cars and motorcycles I buy it on amazon a case of it cost 6.50 each shipped auto zone sells it but they want a fortune for one can I have seen it for 12.00 can

GmanSC

It's not the battery. When did you have the car tune-up?

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

....the battery doesn't seem to be dragging, I would probably look elsewhere also

mrblister

If you did not have the issue prior to the starter replacement I would look at as many cables as you can get to, Did you do the work or did a shop do it. If a shop did it I would have them go over there work. You wont be able to see wires attached to starter but cables are worth looking at. If that does not help then fuel would be my next step. I also have heard that a bad or going bad crank sensor could also be issue

lexixel

Personally, I think the starter is fine. I've heard much, much weaker starter crank and that car started.

I think it's something related to idle regulation. You could hear that once the engine started the rev was very low.

Personally, I guess it's not necessarily fuel related; otherwise, you'll have more problem driving it - naturally, the engine needs more fuel under load (symptoms: weak acceleration, stalling).

Another possible thing to check is the MAF.

As an aside, this car always needs about 4 ~ 6 clicks before starting, doesn't it? It's the case with my car, and from the videos on Youtube I've seen it seems to be this way. I had an old Audi A8 4.2 that even after being neglected for two years started on the second click.

JohnnyCake

Thanks, all.

After those four instances (the last of which is the recording), every start after that has been 100% normal. All driving is normal (acceleration, idle, etc.)

No doubt the problem is solved until: (a) I am at least 100 miles from home; and (b) its pouring rain.

Harold57

Maybe it was the battery drained down and all it needed was to be run and recharge the battery. (Perhaps there was a door or trunk light on.) Glad to hear that it appears to be working fine again.

mrblister

If you get stuck I will come get you

OBP

Either the battery was not that weak or it may not be a battery issue at all. I experienced a weak/ near dead battery situation and got stranded. The car would crank slower than usual, fewer cranks than usual and struggle to start. Then the next time that day I started it, two cranks and nothing. And then the next time I turned the key, a click, some dash lights and no crank at all. Stranded. Looks like the OP did way better than me.