2000 3.8 Turns over slow, but starts

[lrombes]

I have a 2000 3.8 Windstar that the engine turns over very slowly sometimes when it's cold. The battery is fully charged and once running the alternator is putting our around 14 volts. The battery is only a couple years old. It almost seems like it is loaded up with fuel or the compression is high. Once it turns over a couple strokes it picks up speed and then starts. It has been below 0 for several days here and it acts the same, as when it was 40. Could it be the IAC? I had to clean it a few months back. I thought maybe I had a drain on the battery during the night, but the battery had over 12 volts and it still did the same thing?

[phil-l]

Presuming the battery itself is good, I'd first be suspicious of dirty electrical connections that are limiting current flow to the starter, or weak ground connections. Are the battery terminals dirty or corroded? Are ground connections clean and tight?

One way to check this, if you have a decent digital voltmeter: Connect the voltmeter to the positive starter terminal and the positive battery terminal. While crankingthe starter, the displayed voltage should ideally be 0 volts (meaning no voltage drop caused by the cable or connection); in reality, it should probably be no more than 0.1 or 0.2V (which is why you would need a digital voltmeter that can register small voltages). A similar test can be done on the grounding side.

If either of these test registers something like 1.0V or more, you're losing a significant portion of your starting power to the connections themselves; power that isn't helping turn the starter.

Dirty, corroded battery connections are a very common culprit in this situation.

IAC problems can cause several symptoms - but none of what you described points specifically to the IAC.

[garync1]

I agree with DR Phil.. I would check the batt connections and get a load test on the battery at a local auto parts place its free.. And they can do it in the van as well as out..Post back what you find. And maybe we can move forward on what too look for next such as starter or starter connections.. hope this helps,gary

[RODALCO]

If above tips didn't help it may be worn brushes in the starter motor, which will add extra resistance in the starting circuit.

[KimMG]

Worn bushings in the starter motor can cause the starter motor to bind.

[lorvince]

I would get your started checked out. A bad flywheel in the starter can cause slow cranking.