[kd883]

Hi guys,

My Sierra is developing a bit of a delay between turning the key and the starter motor engaging. I've been told the battery could be on the way out. Is there any way to check?

If the battery is dying, what size battery (CCA) should I replace it with?

Cheers,

KD.

[Trypt]

Dunno about the delay, but get as bigger battery as will fit. it really is a case of bigger is better

[Reubs]

kd883 wrote:

bit of a delay between turning the key and the starter motor engaging. I've been told the battery could be on the way out. Is there any way to check?

Does it still crank fine once it's turning, or does the engine turn over slowly and is hard to start especially first thing in the morning?

The solenoid on the starter could also be on the way out (likely to be a bit 'sticky') or the wiring or ignition switch may also have a problem.

Auto shops can do a load test on the batttery - but you could also check the voltage with a multimeter. If you have greater than about 12.5V after the engine has been off for about an hour than your battery should be ok.

[buzbox]

Reubs wrote:

The solenoid on the starter could also be on the way out (likely to be a bit 'sticky') ..

x 2

Mine was starting to do this.

Then I had an unrelated issue where I had to keep cranking it over without the motor starting, Then she went capputski. Must've gotten to hot, but the old hit it with a hammer worked a few times.

I havn't had that issue since replacing the starter.

[Bugsta]

Failing doing battery tests yourself, Repco can test it for you for free.

If you decide your battery is dead, I highly recommend a yellow top AGM. Very useful if you add a winch, use a fridge, high power audio or the car sits for ages.

[Gough]

get a multimeter, and text the battery when engine is off, it should be about 12 - 13 volts it is then ok any lower than 12 or 11, battery is on its way out, start the engine and put the meter leeds on + and - and the meter should read 13-14 volts, that means the alternator is charging and the alternator is fine.
make sure you spray all the earth points (cables connected to the body of the car and - of the battery) with wd 40

[kd883]

Thank you so much for all the feedback fellas.

Quote:

Failing doing battery tests yourself, Repco can test it for you for free.

Thank you for the tip Bugsta. I went to Repco and did the battery test there - all good. So I guess it must be the starter motor solenoid then?

Quote:

Does it still crank fine once it's turning, or does the engine turn over slowly and is hard to start especially first thing in the morning?

Reubs - no problems cranking, just a 'click' and delay in getting started on the cranking in the morning. In fact, only ever in the morning...?

Cheers,

KD.

[KEENSY85]

Check lead from ur battery to make shure its in good nick and Ur terminals as that is also a common cause