Hi All,

I have an intermitent problem when I start my car. Sometimes the card will crank slower than normal, stop, and then as long as I hold the key it will eventually crank and start normally. When it stops, after the slow crank, it seems to "thump"...sort of lock up really hard. I have a new battery and fuel filter, does this sound like a problem w/ the starter itself? Like I said, it doesn't happen everytime, just once in a while.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

Sounds like the starter is cooked. A quick test of how much current it pulls will tell the tale.

 

I know you said you had a new battery, but with slow cranking, this would be the first thing i would check. I had this same problem recently. Quick test, when you try to start your car, turn your headlights on before, if your headlights go real dim or completely off, more than likely it's your battery. Also, once you get the car started, turn your headlights on and your ac on. If your voltage starts dropping (on your dash cluster gauge), then it's either the battery (not keeping a charge) or it's the alternator (not charging correctly). Just some suggestions before you start replacing parts on a whim. Good luck.