1999 Chevy Malibu - starter problem? alternator?

Question

The other day I went to the store and came back out and had trouble starting my car. When I turned the key it sounded as normal as far as trying to start but it never would completely turn over. We measured the voltage on the battery and it looked fine. After about 3-4 times of trying to start it, it finally started but we had trouble again the next day and again it finally started after a few tries. Do you think its the starter? alternator?

Also if anyone knows of a good starter replacement guide (in case that is the problem) for a '99 malibu, that would be great! Thanks!

Answer 1

The alternator really has little to do with the actual starting the car.  If you had alternator problems, you car would start to die while driving it kinda like a bad fuel pump.  I'd check the spark plugs and wires and get your EGR problem fixed.

Answer 2

from what you've stated, it doesn't sound like a starter or alternator problem.  if it was the starter, it would either only click, or do nothing at all when you turn the key.  if it were the alternator, your battery wouldn't charge properly and when you crank it over, it would slowly turn over until it stopped completely.    this is a fuel, air or spark issue.  which could be the EGR.  

start with the fuel filter(s), spark plugs could be fouled, etc.  it's not the starter/alternator.

Answer 3

If its turning over ,It could either be the battery not strong enought the overall voltage is not really important ...you need the battery load tested this will induce a load on the battery with half the CCA for about 10 seconds and it must maintain a voltage no lower than 9.6volts.Batterys tipically should be replaced every 5 years.Another thing you can look at is have a starter draw test preformed .Usually a bad egr vavle will cause rough idle.But any shop will be able to preform those two tests and it should only take 20 mins if that.GL