[denisond3]

We have a 97 Neon, SOHC with automatic tranny. I had removed the engine to replace the leaking rear main crankshaft seal. When it was back together I noticed the engine would turn over -very- slowly the first thing in the mornings - as if the battery was weak. But after a second or two the engine would spin faster and would finally start. This happened during the day; when I first turned the ign. key to 'start' the engine would crank slowly, but then crank faster if I kept the key turned at 'start'. I knew the battery was okay, and had recently cleaned the battery posts, cable terminals, and all ground connections. I figured it was a dirty/greasy commutator in the starter, so I removed it & opened it up to clean it. Not only was the commutator greasy, but the brushes were worn down to tiny little 'nubs', not much thicker than a dime is thick. A new starter was the fix - now it cranks fast like it should.
If your problem is the starter, the only thing I know that might make it work one more time, would be to give the side of it a whack with a hammer.
To reach the starter I removed the battery and battery tray, the little brace to the radiator frame, then the two cooling fans. After that the stater wasnt too hard to reach.