Car starting problems

Question

My car seems to only want to start in the mornings. I can't be parked on a hill or in the sun, it needs to be in the shade. When I do start it I have to move the steering wheel up and down. Then if i'm lucky it'll start. Also even when it does start, if i'm in a store too long when I come out it may not start and I have to wait, as if it's recharging. Any idea's??? I also checked the trouble shooting for bad alternator and starter and my car doesn't do any of those indications.

Answer 1

need a lot more info. type of car. is it gas. sounds made. year of car. these will all help us figure out the problem

Answer 2

More info please! make, model and year! and what is sounds like when it won't start.... silent, clicking, engine turning fast but won't fire up, or engine turning slow?

Wild guess......Relay or computer bad!

Answer 3

Please supply more symptoms, when it doesn't start, does it turn over or does it go click?

Answer 4

It sounds like your ignition is on the column. Having to wiggle steering to unlock and start car usually means the ignition switch itself is out of line and may even be loose. Or, worse, internally failing. Have you attempted to turn over starter by crossing solenoid? Not knowing which car you have? It's either actually on top of starter. Or, on inner fender. It's like you have two problems. Not just one. The wiggle the wheel one and heat failure.

Heat related start problems are normally due to starter field failure. When hot draws too much power. It's like a short circuit. Only gradual. Especially if it allows you to start car then fails right after driving. Heat of engine and exhaust causes starter to heat up and fail.

Check to see if car is suppose to have a heat shield. Then see if yours is still on. May be the only problem.

Yes, the battery can be too old. Or, just low on water. But, the way you describe? I doubt it. Always, always always keep battery and posts real clean. Not just the outer part. But, disconnect and shine up posts and inner terminals. Just good, keeps you out of problems, maintenance. Same with connection on starter and solenoid. Fords are especially prone to weird failures because of that. Easy to check if alternator has any output. Place a screwdriver to back center cap cover of alternator while it runs. If it's got any output? Screwdriver will stick because cover is now magnetic.



Do have a nearby auto parts dealer do a battery load test. It is just a good idea. A good battery will only mask/delay the eventual full failure of your starter. If, that is the actual problem. Which I think it is. A hint, a dying battery doesn't work in the morning THEN konk out later. It needs a jump in the morning then works AOK all day. Why? Because the alternator shoves a high charge into it. Which bleeds off overnight. Hope this helps?

Answer 5

how old is the battery? if its old like a couple years or a little mor eits time for a new one