Why Does My Car Crank Too Long Before Starting? – How to Fix it

Car cranks too long before starting is a common problem experienced by many car owners. This issue typically occurs when the starter motor is not receiving enough power to turn over the engine. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including a dead battery, faulty spark plugs, or a bad starter motor. In some cases, it can also be caused by low fuel pressure or an inadequate fuel mixture in the engine. To diagnose the underlying cause of this problem, it is important to check the battery, spark plugs, and starter motor for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replacing these components may resolve the issue and get your car running again.

Automobile: Car Cranks Too Long Before Starting

One of the most common issues that can arise with automobiles is when a car cranks too long before starting. This issue can be caused by a variety of different factors, ranging from a faulty fuel pump or clogged fuel filter to an ignition system problem or even compression issues. In order to properly diagnose and troubleshoot this issue, it is important to take a closer look at each potential cause.

Excessive Fuel Consumption

When it comes to excessive fuel consumption being the cause of a car cranking too long before starting, it may be due to a faulty fuel pump, which is responsible for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the pump is not functioning properly, then it may cause insufficient pressure and volume in the fuel system, leading to hard starts and increased cranking time. Additionally, if there is an issue with the fuel filter being clogged or dirty, this can also lead to insufficient pressure and volume in the system and result in hard starts.

Low Battery Charge

Another common reason why a car may crank too long before starting could be due to low battery charge. This could be caused by corroded battery terminals that prevent proper conductivity between the battery and starter motor, as well as by weak alternators which do not provide enough power for proper engine operation. In this case, it is important to inspect the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Additionally, if there are any signs of wear on the alternator belt or pulley, then these should also be replaced in order to ensure proper power supply for starting the vehicle.

Engine Timing Issues

Finally, engine timing issues can also lead to cars cranking too long before starting. This can happen when components such as the EGR valve malfunction or if there are problems with sensors such as camshaft position sensors that affect engine timing. In these cases, it is important to inspect all related components and replace any damaged parts as necessary in order to ensure proper engine operation and reduce cranking time prior to starting up the vehicle.

Diagnosing Low Battery Charge for a Car That Cranks Too Long Before Starting

To diagnose the issue of a car that cranks too long before starting, it is important to check the vehicle’s battery voltage level. This can be done by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminals. If the battery has a low charge, it will not be able to provide enough power to crank the engine quickly. Additionally, it is important to measure the alternator voltage output. If the alternator is not providing enough voltage, it can cause a low battery charge and lead to slow cranking of the engine.

Diagnosing Engine Timing Issues for a Car That Cranks Too Long Before Starting

It is also necessary to check the timing belt or chain for wear and tear if a car takes too long to crank up. A worn out timing belt or chain can cause timing issues in an engine, resulting in slower cranking before starting. Additionally, it is important to inspect the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, as they are responsible for providing information about engine speed and position to control ignition and fuel injection timing. If these sensors are damaged or malfunctioning, they can cause slow cranking of an engine before it starts up.

Replacing Parts To Resolve Car Cranking Too Long Before Starting Issue

If any of these components are found faulty, then they must be replaced as soon as possible in order to resolve the issue of car cranking too long before starting up. It is also important that all necessary repairs and replacements are carried out by experienced professionals who know how each component works and how best it should be replaced or repaired in order to achieve optimal performance from the car’s ignition system. By following this advice, you should be able to have your car start up much quicker than before.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What could be the cause of a car cranking too long before starting?
A: There can be several potential causes for a car cranking too long before starting, including excessive fuel consumption, low battery charge, and engine timing issues.

Q: How can I check the fuel system for a car that cranks too long before starting?
A: To check the fuel system for a car that cranks too long before starting, you should inspect the fuel pump and filter, check the fuel pressure and volume, and inspect the ignition system components.

Q: How can I diagnose low battery charge for a car that cranks too long before starting?
A: To diagnose low battery charge for a car that cranks too long before starting, you should check the vehicle’s battery voltage level and measure alternator voltage output.

Q: How can I diagnose engine timing issues for a car that cranks too long before starting?
A: To diagnose engine timing issues for a car that cranks too long before starting, you should check the timing belt or chain for wear and tear as well as inspect camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.

Q: What parts do I need to replace to resolve a car cranking too long before starting issue?
A: Depending on what is causing your car to crank too long before it starts up, you may need to replace parts such as the fuel pump or filter, battery terminals, alternator, timing belt/chain, camshaft position sensor or EGR valve.

In conclusion, it is important to recognize when your car is cranking too long before starting. This issue could be caused by a number of different factors, including a weak battery, faulty spark plugs, or a lack of fuel. If your car is cranking too long before starting, then it is important to take it to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible in order to diagnose and repair the issue.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

Similar Posts