2001 Mercury Sable Engine start

2001 MERCURY SABLE
89,000 MILES
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SCOTT2G
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My car is slow to crank, is it a problem with the battery or starter?

When turning the key all the way, instead of immediately going CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-start, the first start attempt is very slow and is more like CLIIiiiick-(VERY short gap of silence)-CLICK-CLICK-start.
Sep 17, 2013 at 10:34 AM
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TY ANDERSON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 719 POSTS
I could be your battery or your starter sometimes both. Most retail auto parts supplier will test your battery and starter for free. If the battery is weak it will cause slow starting or cranking. If the starter is consuming too much energy it will crank slow. Worst case could be one the accessories (like power steering, alternator or a/c compressor clutch pulleys) is damaged creating extra resistance on the starting system. Try having the battery and starter tested and get back to me or if you have a volt meter have the battery test and I can walk you through some diag steps for the starter. TY
Sep 17, 2013 at 10:51 AM
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SCOTT2G
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you! I just got back from AutoZone (Went to O'Reillys as well just to make sure they weren't pullin my leg) and apparently one of the cells in my battery went bad. $112 later and I have a new battery. As soon as I started it up, I could notice the difference right away! Thanks again!
Sep 17, 2013 at 11:53 AM
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TY ANDERSON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 719 POSTS
Your welcome! Come again.
Sep 18, 2013 at 11:57 AM
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