bit odd

[Josh]

yesterday I stopped in a car park and realised that I may have been a touch too optimistic with my spot and went to start it to move and it really stuggled to turn over, I tried twice and thought I would leave it and try when I got back, the whole time in the shop thinking all sorts of nightmare things. But when I returned she fired up like nothing was wrong. Think the old girl was just trying to keep me on my toes.
Any ideas?
Josh

[Jonnyboy]

Could be a sticky starter motor. Carry a rubber mallet and if it does it again give the casing a whack which may free it up. Also check your battery connections.

[hormygollop]

yesterday I stopped in a car park and realised that I may have been a touch too optimistic with my spot and went to start it to move and it really stuggled to turn over, I tried twice and thought I would leave it and try when I got back, the whole time in the shop thinking all sorts of nightmare things. But when I returned she fired up like nothing was wrong. Think the old girl was just trying to keep me on my toes.
Any ideas?
Josh

Probably your immobiliser trying to scare you...

[kiwi-jim]

sounds to me like either a loose connection (battery or earth),solenoid contacts starting to go (arcing) or one sticking brush in the starter motor, which means only 1/2 power although it will seem like even less and be real groggy. a smack with a hammer can work wonders! brushes usualy stick when well worn down as the spring behind them runs out of travel.

[Guest]

sounds to me like either a loose connection (battery or earth),solenoid contacts starting to go (arcing) or one sticking brush in the starter motor, which means only 1/2 power although it will seem like even less and be real groggy. a smack with a hammer can work wonders! brushes usualy stick when well worn down as the spring behind them runs out of travel.

I'd concur with that, alternative could be your battery starting to break down when warm, when cool it works OK.

Cheers

[stara]

i used to have the same problem, both batteries were replaced and it has been faultless ever since.

[da SLUG man]

my car had the opposite problem.... solenoid didn't disengage and kept turning the starter!.... bit embarrassing in car parks!

[surffreak]

on an old car i had it lost the earth strap to the gearbox and it would not start for love or money replaced the strap and it was fine