Cranks over slowly then goes faster

ISETHEBOY

MEMBER
2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT
120,000 MILES

I own a 2003 Hyundai Accent. Recently purchased it. It cranks over slowly at first and then faster after a second. Battery tested at 83% so replaced it with a new one from Walmart and the new one was almost dead, Had to charge it, The car still cranks over, I am thinking the starter motor or maybe the battery could the timing have anything to do with the slow cranking? I had a new timing belt put on at the Hyundai dealer on Wednesday.

5 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Yes. Incorrectly set timing could be a problem. Take it to an Autozone or Pep Boys and have them conduct a starter draw test.
Does it run properly once started?

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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 9:42 PM

ISETHEBOY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes it runs perfect and has lots of power for a 1.6. And fuel economy is great too. Only problem is the starting. Can any garage do a starter draw test. Or can I do it myself.

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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 10:01 PM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

The garage must have the right test equipment. Not all do. But Pep Boys, Autozone, and similar parts chains do. If you have an ammeter capable of testing up to 500Amps, you can test it.

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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 10:12 PM

ISETHEBOY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

How could the timing be off, I just had a new belt put on at the dealership I would think they checked the timing. Anyways, can the belt be off by one notch and the car still run?

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Monday, November 21st, 2011 AT 1:23 AM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Yes, it can be off by a couple of teeth and still run. In fact, the Ford 2.3L engine from the late 70s had to have the crank timing advanced by 3 teeth in order to run after changing the belt.

Because nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. They will usually test the ignition timing after assembly, but if the cam timing is off, it won't show up as readily.