Starting problems

[snowboarder118]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with my problem. I have a 96 corsica and it won't start up for a bit. When you first try starting the engine it sounds like its a dead battery, then after a few tries of giving it gas while turning the key it starts up. Can anyone help me on this problem?

[jsgold]

By sounding like the battery I assume it is cranking slow or struggling to crank at all? If this is so it could mean a weak battery, weak alternator, or, a dragging starter. Only way to be sure is to take it to Advance or Autozone and get both alternator and battery tested. The battery could be weak and could still show good until a load is put on it, and if the alternator is not doing it's job the battery is not being charged right, and it will soon fail anyway. If the starter is worn out it will draw so much power from your battery you will ruin any battery you put in it. Get the alternator/battery checked first, also check your battery cables(should do this FIRST to be safe) to be sure it is not a simple problem. Clean your battery posts, check for corrosion. Then, if looks like both are OK and still cranks slow, take the starter off (easy to do on either a 4 or 6 cyl.) and get it tested too. If I have misundertood the problem please advise otherwise. If it cranking normal speed but not hitting then that is a different problem...