Delay when Starting Car(Car Hesitates to Start)

Once, when planning a trip by car, you turn the ignition key or press the car start button, but the car hesitates to start. It’s frustrating. However, if the vehicle has a sluggish ignition or prolonged cranking time, it indicates any underlying issues that need attention. But what is the cause, and how can you fix it quickly?

I will guide you through most of the possibilities we discover during daily life experiences and introduce solutions for each condition.

What Could be Wrong if My Car Hesitates (Delays) to Start?

In modern automotive, advanced computers monitor all sensors. If a sensor has an issue, it stores trouble codes. So, before replacing any parts, it’s essential to check the OBD trouble code with a code scanner.

Following are the most common observations that could be the reason for the delay in starting the car.

1. Fuel System Issues 

Air and fuel mixtures are used to combust in the engine. The fuel system is designed to provide a certain amount of fuel required. This system consists of a Fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors that need proper diagnosis to solve this issue. The engine needs more fuel when starting, so low fuel pressure could also be the cause.

2. Bad Engine Sensor

Many sensors are involved in maintaining engine fuel at the start or during running to avoid a rich or lean air-fuel mixture. The MAF sensor and camshaft position sensor can be affected, and the coolant temperature sensor could also cause a car to start delayed during extreme cold or hot weather.

To learn more about the issue, check the OBD error code.

3. Aging Battery or Losing Connection

The car battery provides power to start the engine; if the Battery cannot be fully charged or gets old, it has no capacity to crank the engine over. Most batteries have charge indicators on the top if your Battery is new and showing full charge. In most cases, battery terminals get rust and do not pass full power; you can check visually; it can be cleaned with soda and hot water and should be tight enough. If you understand the Battery is older, send it to the garage or auto part store for further check.

4. Failing Alternator

If the alternator fails to charge the Battery, it does not have enough power to crank the engine and start the car. This is also a possible reason. You can check by removing the positive terminal during the car start and slowly touching the open terminal with the battery terminal; if it gets a small spark, the alternator is working (providing power). You can also check with a multimeter if available.

5. Ignition System Hiccups (Fouled Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils)

A bad Ignition system could also be the reason for a car’s delay in starting. If the spark plug gets old, it will not be able to ignite in the cylinder, which may also cause a rough idle or a misfire. However, if you are sure the spark plug is new, an older ignition coil also creates a weak spark.

6. Lower Fuel Quality

Fuel quality also matters. Low fuel quality can lead to clogged injectors, affect spark plugs, and create other issues. Try to use top-tier fuel to save engine quality.

7. Malfunctioning Starter Motor (Self Starter Motor)

Older starter motors are the most prominent reason. The magnetic actuator engages the starter gear with the flywheel when the key is turned on. If it does not spin enough, the car struggles to start. Wearing brushes or other components is the main reason. You can assist an auto part dealer.

8. Clogged Air Filter

If a certain amount of air is not provided to the ignition system, this unbalanced air-fuel mixture cannot ignite, and the car will be delayed in starting. The air filter can be checked visually to see if it is clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced as new. Always maintain a service schedule to get maximum performance. 

The Car Takes Longer to Start in Cold Weather.

If the car takes longer to start only in cold weather, it’s because thick engine oil or cold temperatures affect battery performance. In winter, cold cranking amperage should be considered. During battery selection, you will find two different Ampere ratings: cranking ampere and cold cranking amperage (CCA).

The CCA rating is how many amps are needed at the initial thirty seconds at 0°F to start a car. It is usually lower than the typical cranking amperage. You do not notice it in summer, while in winter if the Battery gets aged, you will face car-starting issues. There will be possibly other problems, which were detailed in the article.

If the problem persists, take the car to a mechanic; after the diagnostic and repair are complete, you can drive your vehicle on the road without further hesitation.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Dealing with car starting delays can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and how to address them is essential for maintaining vehicle reliability and performance. By identifying and resolving starting issues promptly, you can ensure your vehicle’s smooth and reliable operation.