Okay so before I was trying to trouble shoot problems with my car. It has a sluggish start to it sometimes. I did the fuel pressure check, checked the fuel pressure regulator, and picked the rail up and checked for leaky injectors. Now here is what happens when I go to crank the car and get it started. When you move the key to accessory the gauge on the dash moves to the very top of the red section. I guess that puts it at about 11 or 12 volts. Then when you are crankin it drops down deep into the red just a bit over the 8 or almost down to it. Once started the voltage jumps up where it should be at like 15 or 16. Is this kinda thing normal? I want my car to fire up right away. The only thing is I have no idea how to check grounds or even what they do so if somebody could explain that. Now I know its not my starter because I've had 3 different ones since I've had this problem. Also I know its not the battery because Autozone put it on a trickle charge and they said its perfect. Lastly my alternator is fairly new as in 1 year 1000 miles. Whoever can help please chime in.

 

Helllo?

 

Anybody?

 

Cranking voltage should be 10 volts or more. Replace the battery and make sure your alternator is charging.

 

I've been working on cars and in autoparts long enough to know a very important rule of thumb when it comes to electrical parts, especially alternators and starters.

Just because it's new, doesn't mean it's good.