Car Won't Start - Sometimes

Alright, I'm confused here. Every other day or so I can't start my car ('03 C4 vert). I'll turn the key and the engine will begin to turn over, then turn over slower, and slower, and slower, until the engine will only do a half turn and the windows go down. At this point the engine no longer turns. I can jump it and it will start no problem. But here's the weird thing, if I let the car sit for awhile (long enough to forget about it) it will start with no trouble at all. WTF? - Ken

I'm pointing to your battery. Also... Did you modify the car in anyway? You may have a current leak which is causing your battery to drain out. thanks, Amir

No mods. If it's the battery, how come I can start it an hour later?

that's a good question....... what about the alternator or the starter?

And another thing, when I do start the car an hour later all the trip information and presets on the radio are reset, as if the battery had died or something, but it starts just fine. You think I should just take it in to the dealer?

I would take out the battery and have it tested before going to the dealer.

sounds lie ka battery to me

Obviously, if the car starts once in awhile, you have juice in the battery. The battery may not be perfect, but it is holding enough to crank the engine. Possible problems could be loose or dirty battery cables, ignition switch, bad starter or loose ground. When the car does not, turn over, will the headlights come on? Sounds like starter grounding out.. However, a battery is cheap if you want to try that.

The headlights turn on if I have them in the on position, but they fade as the car attempts cranking. If the cable are loose and/or dirty how would I fix that?

My car would cold start fine early in the morning. If I drove it for a while and shut it if, it would crank slowly and not want to restart. It was the battery. Your problem is your battery.

You may have a dead cell or 2 in the battery that is shorting out. I would go buy a new battery for <$60 and try that. This will elimiante the battery and cable connections. Always go with the simplest possabilty first. If that fixes it, you can get back to enjoying your P-car. If you are on the orginal battery, it is about time for a new one anyway.

Okay, I'll try replacing the battery and see how that works. Are there any guidelines to buying a new battery? Edit: I meant is the Optima Spiral-Cell worth it?

Also, what size is the battery compartment, or are car batteries universal?

IMO, not unless you are a serious tracker, but then you would first remove your seats, carpet radio, etc, anyway. Go to Sam's or similar place and get a size 48 battery for around $60. You can get the one with the side vent that will fit the hose connected to the existing battery.

Look at the size and AMPS. These cars have a very large battery (80 AMP) due to the number of computers and to turn over the engine cold. Due to the flat engine design and the amount of oil in the crankcase, these cars use a higher torque starter than conventional engines and need more cold cranking amps. When you go to the auto parts store, have them look up the correct battery. One through Porsche is about $150.

Any size 47/48 is more than enough.

Are you saying that the battery dies, and you go away for an hour later and it then starts? Cuz that makes no sense. OR Are you saying after you jump-it...drive-it...then go away an hour later and it starts? Everything points to something with the battery...it could be something as simple as a loose battery connector, or corroded connector. A longer shot could be that your alternator is faulty and isn't providing enough juice to charge the battery and run the car. We have a voltmeter in the car...try turning on accessories one at a time at idle, and see where it lands. Not sure about P-cars..but most cars read between 13.4-14.4V at all times...if you ever see 12 or lower, then your alternator is having trouble. thanks, Amir