Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Erratic Behaviour On Startup!?

First off I'm trying the search tool to no avail mainly because I really don't know how to describe the problem. So I'm throwing it out to the masses.

This hiccup in the mornings started about 2 weeks ago... and it's getting worse this morning the worse of all.

When I turn the ignition, it almost sounds like the battery maybe dead and it chugs and almost dies..then starts no problem. No driveability problems...no stalling after startup...No problem at night when the the electrical draw is at its peak... relatively no problem in the afternoons... Mostly morning starts. However! It did its regular hiccup this morning...and after about 1hr of commute time I went to the bank...when I came back out to start it...it did the regular chug battery almost dying routine but this time it spiked the speedo needle a couple times and the frickin wipers started and it almost completely died. But once again no problems after startup.

Any hints before I dive into this?

First check is battery, then alternator, then starter....

Has anyone had this problem?

Any info would be great guys! - Thanks!

Have the battery checked first. If it's OK, clean the battery cable ends at the battery and chassis ground. Also check for the battery cables getting hot. If necessary replace them.

The windshield wipers are triggered by the voltage dropping while cranking. Alternator is not an issue during cranking.