tribble

My 4 cylinder 98 Sonoma has been hesitating for a few seconds when I turn the key and then it starts and runs fine. I thought it might be the battery so I had that replaced but that wasn't it. It doesn't happen all the time, usually when it's cold or raining. I am a girl who doesn't know much about truck repairs so I would appreciate any help.

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old_master

Not sure if I understand... does the starter hesitate when you turn the key, or the starter cranks a bit before the engine runs?

tribble

It turns over but it hesitates before it fires up. It sort of makes the sound like when you have a dead battery but only for a second or two. Not that tick tick tick of a dead battery but the sluggish turnover. Does that make sense?

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old_master

Yes, that makes sense! When the battery was replaced, they probably cleaned the connections at the battery however, you might want to check the battery cable connection at the starter, and the ground cable connection where it's bolted to the engine. They need to be shiney clean and tight. A wire brush or file works well for cleaning.

tribble

Thank you OM, I will try that tomorrow and let you know if it helped!

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tribble

Thank you, Thank you OM! That seems to do the trick, it is raining this morning and it started up fine after I cleaned up the doohickeys!

I hope you have a great day!

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old_master

Doohickeys??? Too funny, I know what you're talking about though. Did you remove the bolts and clean the eyelet connectors?

tribble

I can't say as I removed any bolts but everything else is gleaming!

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Live long and prosper

old_master

If you have any more trouble, it might be a good idea to remove the battery negative cable from the battery, (to avoid any sparks), then take the connections apart and shine 'em up with a wire brush or a file.