starting issue

[bungea]

my car is a 95 pontiac bonneville se vin k. it has 167000 miles on it. The past two days now when i would start it seems like theres no power there but will start up. I wanna look at this before it gets to become a bigger problem. Only thing i can think is my starter is going. Newer battery and alternator. My battery gauge is reading 14 volts when im driving and nothing is different but just getting it started.

[Airjer_]

When you turn the key to the start position what happens? Do you hear a single click? do you hear a bunch of clicks? does it turn over really slow? does crank over fine but take longer to actually start.

Single clicks are typically the starter. you can use a test light to see if you have power to the start terminal on the starter while somebody tries to start the vehicle. If it powers up and the starter doesn't engage its likely the starter has failed.

Many clicks are typically the battery as well as turning over really slow. It is also beniificial to take the battery cables off the battery and check for extreme corrosion which is common for these types of batteries.

[bungea]

it seems slow to start, sounds weak cranking over. battery terminal is clean, and tight.

[Airjer_]

Many parts stores and shops will check batteries for free. I think it would be worth checking it out. Depending on where you are battery season is fast approaching (it has already picked up in Minnesota). If the battery is more than 5 years old its probably had a pretty good life. Don't be afraid to spen a little extra cash for a quality name brand battery. I replace a lot of newer less expensive batteries because they have failed way to early!!

[bungea]

yea it clicks once. I let it sit for 2 seconds and try to start again and normally it starts. How easy is it to fix it yourself(starter). Also i did notice my serpentine belt is not as tight as it used to be, i can almost bend it down to the other belt right below it.

[Airjer_]

This is a fairly easy and straight forward repair that should be able to be done by someone with a basic mechanical ability. A basic tool set with extensions, sockets, ratchets, swivels, and wrenches is all that is needed.

Remove the negative cable 5/16" socket. Crawl under the car. Remove the small wire from the starter 8mm socket I believe. Remove the big cable and misc. smaller wires from battery supply to the starter, 13mm wrench maybe bigger. Remove the plastic cover that surrounds the front of the starter, 10mm socket. Remove the two starter bolts, 15mm or standard equivalent with a swivel and extension. Then install the new one.

[bungea]

Im kinda confused. My car is back working decent like it used to, but i didn't fix or touch a thing on the car.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by bungea

Also i did notice my serpentine belt is not as tight as it used to be, i can almost bend it down to the other belt right below it.

Have the battery load tested and check for proper voltage when it fails to start the next time. Were the positive cables removed from the red insulation and cleaned on both sides, along with the spacer in between? Typically, this type of problem will reappear! Your tensioner, or belt may need replacing!