starting system has gotten strange

[VW Crazy]

So, I’ve had a 2006 Impala 3.5L since it was new. Been a very reliable car overall (for the price). Starting it today at lunch I thought the battery was dead, then I released the key and it fired up. Now, this is how the ignition switch has always worked; as soon as the solenoid clicks, you let go of the key and and it finishes cranking and starts-without any more assistance from the driver’s right hand. I’ve noticed it hasn’t had the same ole “eagerness” to start for the past month or two. But it started nonetheless. Today, it was different. I had the battery, alternator, starter checked at advanced auto and auto zone. I like multiple opinions. In both cases the battery came in weak, while the alternator and starter tested normal. I just put in the new battery and it still starts the sluggishly-solenoid clicks, starter doesn’t spin, I let go of the key, starter spins, and motor fires. Something is wrong. Aside for “planned obsolescence” I was wondering if anyone has come across this problem yet on this car. I might mention it has factory remote start, which still works. I’m reaching out before it goes dead on me in the freezing weather or I begin throwing money at the problem without a resolution. Thanks much.

Topic

[Jim Davis]

You said you had the alt and starter checked, did you physically take them off the car and have them tested? What about the condition of the cables?

[Its me]

Before throwing money at this… Look at the ignition switch…

Not sure where you are, but today was the coldest day we have had all season… Exceptional Cold weather is hard on everything (living and non living)…

When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras….

-Karl

[cj1]

If you have a voltmeter you could do some quick diagnosis to see if there is abnormal amount of voltage drop in the starter circuit.
If not then remove/clean battery terminal connectors positive/negative, chassis ground, starter terminal bat/solenoid.

Regarding the key start/run sequence, you say it has always been such, so sluggish crank probably not related.

[David Lisle]

My Ram is having similar issues with cold starting, My battery reads about 10 volt this morning before and vehicle will not idle until after i get it moving in drive. I am using a bosch battery, had the alternator and starter checked recently and they read fine.

[EricTheCarGuy]

So often connections are overlooked. If you have corroded, or loose connections, it can produce the same symptoms of a bad battery.

A complete article with videos and explanations on these conditions can be found here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems

I’ll throw this one in for good measure.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems

Lastly consider the possibility that you have purchased a bad battery. Might want to have it tested just to be sure.

Please keep us updated.

[David Lisle]

I have been having my battery tested and it tests around 12 volts, however my OBD reader shows the battery at 10 volts before I start up in the morning.

[David Lisle]

Update: Last check the Battery was at 250 over 800 CCA.

[Steve Johnson]

As far as the impala this is normal for computer controlled starting. The ignition switch signals the PCM and it starts the engine.

[Author]

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