02 cold start woes

[modnarte]

Lately, in the morning, when I start the car it makes a rat-a-tat-tat sound, does not turn over. After several attempts, pausing, sometimes depressing accelerator pedal, it will turn over and I can drive but the rear brakelight warning light stays on. If I turn it off and restart, the warning light is not on.

I checked under the hood to see if there was debris on the battery connections but it looks clean. Clean everywhere except the coolant container had all this pink crud on top around the cap.

Is it the battery (I don't think so)? The starter?

Unless really simple, I can not repair it myself. I just need the information so I know the mechanic/dealer is not just throwing stones at the problem.

Thanks for your prompt reply...

[jhmesquire]

Red crud is normal. just a little happens.
Check your brake lights, that light on your dash is a warnig leting you know you have a brake light out.
I would check the battery first. if you dont have enogh juice the starter wont turn you will just hear the celinoid cliking. Most auto part stores can check it for free.

[modnarte]

Thanks, jhmesquire.

I will have the battery checked.

But, I wonder...if it is the battery, why would it start normally the rest of the day? And the brake light warning light does not come back on?

[jhmesquire]

It depends on alot of things. If its cool or cold the reaction in the battery is slowed down. It then produces less power. It's free to get your battery checked and they can do it in like five minuts. Do you have a pep boys, auto zone or advanced auto where you live?

I'm not sure about the lights, but who knows it might just get triggered by low voltage