Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 9/14/2006

Question
Dear Roger:

I own a 2000 Chevrolet Impala with a base model 3.4 V6 engine. When i go to start the car up, the motor will lag as if the battery were somewhat drained of power, however after a few seconds the engine will fire up no problems and runs well afterward. I have asked my daughter's boyfriend and he suspects it is not the battery (as it always starts the car every time), but rather a starter motor/solenoid issue.Even he is unsure what may be causing this lagging as he says the battery is fine and the problem may be elsewhere. If you have any idea what may cause this pre-start lagging could you please let me know of what to do from here. It worries me to be stuck somewhere with an upcoming electrical problem that is yet to be diagnosed.
Any help or suggestion will be well appreciated. Thank You

Answer
Judy ;
 HI - I would first have the battery checked out , to see if it is going bad, than you can have a volt meter put on it to see what it is putting out from the alt. and to see what the batt is charging at.
If it starts up I do not think the starter is bad. it might just be the battery is getting old. ok