Starter, Battery or something else?

[coopns]

About two weeks ago after driving the car for 30 mins. parked it for the day got back in and it started but was hesitant, didn't click, click click or anything but was slugish to start. Tonight, same thing was started probably 3 times throughout the day and the last time, felt a little hesitant. But I drove and parked 3 more times after and it was fine.

Any thoughts? 95 Taurus battery is more then five years. Never had a new starter.

 

[Matt_S]

Take the battery out and have it load tested. That'll tell you for sure. Most places will do it for free if you bring the old battery in. My money is on the battery. That sounds like the same thing that happened to my car the last time the battery died.

 

[coopns]

So like a NTB or Autozone and ask for a load test? Is there another name or just tell them the story?

Thanks.

 

[Bear]

The load test will show if it's the battery or the alternator that has a problem. Takes less than one minute to check both.

 

[oily boyd]

coopns,

Even if the alternator has a problem, it's time to change that battery.

Good Luck.

 

[coopns]

Is the battery something I can do? Any tips? Advice on what type? I would like to get another 3-5 years out of the car.

Thanks.

 

[Jimbo]

My 94 Ford had problems with battery terminals and starter connections getting oxidized, which acts like a battery problem. Remove the battery and clean the terminals. While it is out, get it tested like the others have said. If it is the alternator you would get a dashboard idiot light or voltmeter indication of trouble.

 

[coopns]

Is it straightforward removing the battery? What do I clean the battery posts with?

Thanks.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

The battery may have "tie-downs" on it, or a tray with posts holding it into your engine bay. Clean the posts AND the cable ends with sandpaper until shiny. You can remove white/green powder corrosion with baking soda and water. However, I've experienced when cleaning everything and putting it all back together, that if the battery is bad, it's at this point when it will have nothing left to offer. Get it tested and take a look at how it's hooked in. I get the feeling you're worried about it. It's pretty easy, and if you don't feel like you want to do it, go to Autozone/Sears/Advance/Independant shop and have them do it for you. Shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Autozone should install it for you if you ask. Grab whatever their computer tells you to put in. It will last that long.