1999 Chevy Malibu Sluggish Startup

1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
115,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MANZANO16
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
My car was very sluggish to start up/turn over this morning, but drove fine to work. Once I got here I tried to turn the car on again, and it barely turned over, then died. I'm able to get the car on and keep it on when hitting the accelerator, just concerned this is going to get much worse quickly. If someone could point me in the right direction for a quick fix I'd greatly appreciate it!
Aug 25, 2008 at 11:47 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
So it turns over, just slow like a low battery? or it turns over and wont hold idle, and tries to die? If it wont idle check for vacuum leaks first, could be a bad Idle Air Control valve
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:44 AM
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MANZANO16
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
[quote:f741db238a="2CarPro Jack"]So it turns over, just slow like a low battery? or it turns over and wont hold idle, and tries to die? If it wont idle check for vacuum leaks first, could be a bad Idle Air Control valve[/quote:f741db238a]

This morning (the second time) it did turn over but quickly died. It does feel like a battery, though, so I'll try that first...but I did replace the battery less than 2 years ago. Thanks for the tip on the vacuum, I'll give that a try also.
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:48 AM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
So what happened when you left work? If it cranked slow again and didnot idle well starter drag could be the problem. If starter draws to many amps then when you get it running system voltage is low and PCM does not function well. Have a starter draw test done. An Auto Zone can do this free.
Aug 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
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BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Please do check the alternator to see if the output is correct.
badbo
Aug 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM
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