Starting issue

[spiDmang]

Hey gais.

So for the past few days, my car would have super finicky start up's. when I went to turn the key, the starter was delayed for maybe a second, then would crank the motor. The battery light would also partially light up (dim) when the car started. After some driving, the light would be gone. From my past experiences, the Alternator was usually the culprit in these charging dilemmas.

So yesterday, I decided to replace the alternator as I felt that was the best thing to do..

TODAY, I get into my car and experience the same symptoms as before. Now the car won't start (starter wont engage) but I have power everywhere else.

Now my initial thought is the battery, but the battery was replaced in Sept 2012...could the dying alternator have drained the battery in that short amount of time, not allowing it to hold a charge?

Share some thoughts please!

[2mAn]

sounds like the battery isnt at full strength. i have a charger you can borrow.

[ClausE30]

Maybe throw a slow trickle charge on the battery over night? or take a look at the connections to the starter and see if they look corroded

[kylelauffer]

ill bank on battery. the weather always gets to them. mine just went out as well.

[e30austin]

+3 for battery. The cold weather kills them. Just did mine on New Years Eve. Might be an ignition switch if that doesn't fix it...

[spiDmang]

I had a trickle charger on it last night (and it said the battery was holding a charge) and it still had a shitty time starting.

Imma bring the battery in to get tested...I hope to god I don't have a damn draw somewhere:(

[bmwm42]

Ground connection

[EH Motorsports]

If the battery tests good i would test the ign power wire going to the starter to see if you are getting full battery power. If you find you are getting full battery power i would have the starter tested.

[spiDmang]

Battery is good.

So I popped the battery into the car and tried starting it 5 times. On 4 of thr 5 attempts to start, there were no results.

On the last attempt, I held the key in the starting position for a couple seconds and it fired up... Can a faulty ignition switch be an option?

I'll also check the starter

[e30austin]

Sounds like an ignition switch.

[bmwm42]

^agreed

[DÌEGØ]

does sound like the ignition switch but before you go tearing away I would go check the starter connections and maybe give it a lil love tap while someone cranks.

[spiDmang]

Could a faulty ignition switch potentially make the "battery warning light" come on? That's what also has me stumped. Sometimes it'll be on, and sometimes it won't.

[Mlarsen]

Ground connection

That's sounds logical to me. What kind of battery is it?

[HarukoE30]

Could a faulty ignition switch potentially make the "battery warning light" come on? That's what also has me stumped. Sometimes it'll be on, and sometimes it won't.

I had this exact issue and got my switch from Austin. It's a common issue & an easy fix. Checking grounds isn't an bad idea either.