turn key, wont start for awhile, then finally does...but worried

[rmil03]

done some searches, but i cant seem to pin my problem along with someone elses. car always started right up, few days ago it start to take a few seconds to start up like lagging a little almost. then finally on my way to work today it did not start, few tries later i just help the key to start and she started up. i did just lower my car, and i read somehting about the before getting an alignment a sensor could be dodgy, or a celanioid on starter.. just went out to car at work and again did not start at first but second try and help it there and it started. any suggestions? thanks guys

[rochey6957]

Start with cleaning the maf. Also check the intake boot for cracks. Start with those and after that it become more then a 10 minute inspection.

[rmil03]

i checked it all over undid it all changed filter, and it seemed to helped...then after a few starts its back to a lagging start, doesnt happen when warmed up, but cold it does..

[hotmilk400]

kind of just sounds like the starter. mine went from starting up just fine, to a few rough starts when the motor was cold, to just randomly starting if it wanted. I assume it is just that. a shop should be able to tell you pretty quick.

[rmil03]

i am assuming it is that too. you have a shop do it or is it a DIY project for a day? thanks for the input

[hotmilk400]

i didn't do it myself since i heard it was hard to get at. even the shop i took it to complained that it was difficult to get to. maybe not though (thinking back, i had 2 cars at that time, not sure which one he was talking about). I guess it depends how handy you are. maybe wait for some other feedback.

[MikeLiv]

When you say you "help it" to start, are you pressing the gas and then it starts?

How does the starter sound when you crank the engine? Same as it always did or is it cranking very slowly? Is that what you mean by lagging?

[rmil03]

sorry! just a weak battery issue, did not update. all fixed.