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Car is hard to start with engine cold?

Tiny
JJP1062
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 KIA SPECTRA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Car is hard to start with the engine cold. It will start after a few attempts and is fine when it reaches operating temperature until the engine turns cold again. Is this a ground problem? Battery is fine but starter feels sluggish but works good when engine warms up. Thanks in advance!
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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 8:47 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Hard starting can be a few things, but first do you have any trouble codes? Here is a guide to help you check, because it could be the engine coolant sensor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is a guide for hard starting as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

You may have a weak fuel pump or the vacuum leak or the throttle body needs to be serviced. Here is the location of the engine coolant sensor in case a code is stored for it. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
JJP1062
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  • 14 POSTS
No codes. It's an 08 kia spectra. In warmer weather it starts without any issues at all. Only happens when weather is cooler.
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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I recorded this sound when starting this morning. May help. I'm thinking it's a starter issue but why will it only do it in cold weather? It's fine once it reaches operating temperature until the engine goes cold again after parking it for awhile then it sluggish again. Don't happen at all in warmer weather. Hope this helps you.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 5:05 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I will record it again when it reaches operating temperature
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 5:14 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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Same car after engine warms up. I heard that these starters have shims. Dont know if that's the isuue. I'm stumped.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 5:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Thanks for the videos, they helped. It sounds like the battery is getting weak, but the starter motor does not sound good either, I would try a new battery first, and I would install a new starter as well.

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I figured it was somewhere between battery and starter. Battery is only 2 yrs old. Think I do the starter first whereas it dont sound to good. What I dont understand is that its fine in warmer weather. Thanks for the advice.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I tried with a fully charged battery and does the same. That's why I'm thinking starter or wire somewhere between battery and starter. Someone did have grease that wasn't dielectric grease on terminals when I bought it but I cleaned that stuff off. Your right. I'm leaning towards starter first. Thanks
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, yep good call I would replace the starter first, it does not sound good at all. Please let me know what happens.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I will. I can get a new one on amazon for $119.00.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I don't know why it only happens when the engine is cold and fine when it warms up unless Bendix is not staying engaged long enough to start but that doesn't explain why it works perfectly when it's operating temperature. Unexplainable.
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 4:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Temperature can change the characteristics of the metal so it is not to out of the ordinary. Let me know how it goes.
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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Have a starter on the way from Amazon. 27th delivery date. We see how it goes when I receive it. Thanks!
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, let me know what happens.
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
JJP1062
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Won't receive it until next Friday I let you know.
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Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 2:46 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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I guess this is the right one. Hope so anyway. Will Install it over the weekend.
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Friday, September 27th, 2024 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, this should fix it, have a nice weekend and let me know please.
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Friday, September 27th, 2024 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Hi! I finally installed that starter today and it seems to have worked. It started first flick of the key. It was miserable here these past few weeks and never got a chance in between weather and work but I was off today, and the sun is out finally. Thanks for your help! Much appreciated.
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Sunday, October 20th, 2024 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, wintertime is upon us! Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, October 21st, 2024 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
JJP1062
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Sure will. Thanks for helping!
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Monday, October 21st, 2024 AT 9:49 AM

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