1990 240DL Wagon
154k miles

I have an intermittent issue upon engine start and would like to begin the hunt for the possible cause(s).

The symptoms that have me concerned are:

#1) Occassionally - when I turn the ignition key to start the engine, there is a brief pause before the starter engages. The normal for this car is for immediate engagement of starter.

#2) Occassionally - when I turn the ignition key to start the engine, the starter immediately engages but it cranks slower than normal - like starting a car with a weak battery or in very cold, cold temperatures.

The battery is a two month old AutoCraft with 600 cold cracking amps. Several times I have checked the battery voltage after the car has sat for two days and both times it was at 12.5 volts. I have checked the alternator by checking the voltage at the battery after startup and I am getting 14 volts.

Any suggestions on what I should look at for possible causes?

 

You may have a bad ignition switch.

 

I can picture where a bad switch might be the reason for the pause (e.g. worn contacts) but how would that cause the slow crank?

 

Good point! Starter may be getting weak, another possibility...