start

2010 SX4 awd---- never had a start problem -- dont worry=be happy:beer:

 

2010 SX4 awd---- never had a start problem -- don't worry=be happy:beer:

I luv this guy! I couldn't have said it better myself!

My car has started just about as good at a low of 18°F as it has at 100°F.
I'm in Florida, so NO Minus readings here.

But it always seems like it's laboring a little bit, and then the engine fires and "We're OFF!"

Along the same lines, when I was new to the Suzuki forums I did a pictorial tutorial on battery maintenance. Then I came to realize that almost no-one has a FULL Maintenance battery like mine. Most are the Maintenance Free variety, but hey, don't ignore your battery. Sulfuric Acid, can still leach out of the battery and corrode the heck out of those little battery terminals.

When I got my SX4 there was a problem with battery charging, so my new car spent its first few days sitting in a service bay at my Suzuki dealer. In the course of the troubleshooting and repair, the mechanic put in a brand new, full maintenance, battery. When the problem was found to be a loose cable connector, under the battery, they just left the new battery IN the car.
I'm glad, because I hate batteries that are 'sealed' and cannot be checked or serviced.

Anyway, within the first few days after getting my car, I checked the new battery and found the fluid level was just a little bit low. So I brought the levels in all six cells up to the full mark. Then I removed both terminals and put felt anti-corrosion washers under them. Then I sprayed the terminals with Anti-Corrosion spray. That's the red tint you can see on the terminals. I got both at Wal-Mart (in the automotive department) for around $5.

Nothing's worse than when you're already running late and you run to your car, settle your butt in the seat, put the key in the ignition switch, give it a turn and NOTHING happens. Your battery is dead!
That's one of those "Oooops, I forgot to service my battery!" moments.

Cheers Mates!
Shadow

 

Our 2012 does the same thing.

Toby

 

My SX4 is doing the same thing, this is normal i guest.

 

Thanks.. I feel reassured now
IN fact I think the starter has a double reduction gearset, which allows for a smaller and lighter starter motor but the consequence is the final cranking speed is much slower. Chrysler products ...and my Kia Sportage have that also but they still give the impression of cranking a bit faster.

 

my 2011 does the same thing as well, even after having a battery maintainer on it, starter seems that it barely turns over, it does start everytime, however.

 

Yes! I was just going to post the same thing. It does seem to take a while to start up for a new vehicle (2011 Crossover), even in warm weather...but it takes longer in winter and really whirs loudly when I start it up in the morning. This is how most cars act, but I wasn't expecting it for a 6 month old car.


Actually - one time it actually did not start. The temp was in the 30s (not bad)...shouldn't have happened...a little worried.

 

Two major factors work against the little starter motor, when it's trying to start your car.
#1 is of course the compression of the engine. The little 2.0L engine in the SX4 is a fairly high compression engine. Nothing can be done about that, and who would even want to.

#2 is friction, of metal parts rubbing against metal parts. There are several options to combat this problem, , , personally, I use "Prolong Anti-Friction" additive in all my engines, going back many years now.
I also use it in my AT and every gear box on the car.

Keeping your battery terminals clean and tight, help to give your starter all the current it needs to start your car.

Good Luck Mates!
Shadow

 

starting

:frozen:For all you people living in the "freezer zone"= synthetic oil lets the engine spin easier starting up! Mobil 1:trophy:

 

RIght, verified and proven by experience in the sub freezer zone......though some are still skeptic

 

Since our province here in Canada regularly hits -40C during winter, I bought a CTEK 3300 battery maintainer when it was on sale at Canadian Tire for $49. I have it plugged in during extreme cold and don't have to worry about my battery draining or my car not starting coz of lack of cranking power. With that said, even with the CTEK on, starting my 2010 SX4 sedan do take a lot more than the cars I've used to drive. But what's important is that it's never failed to start, and I hope it stays that way.

 

In almost three years, I've had no problems starting my SX4. It's always cranked at approximately the same speed, till this past week.
It still cranked, and it always started, but it kept me guessing, if it would or not.

So today, I checked the fluid levels in all six cells and found one cell low, compared to the rest. After a trip to town and back I checked the voltage on the battery, with the motor OFF. It was only 11 volts. That told me all I needed to know. That the one cell that was low on fluid, was (is) failing.
That was an "Interstate" battery with 800 Cold Cranking Amps.
I replaced it with a 450 cca battery I had in the house, on a UPS system. Truly, it's a little smaller in both size and capacity, but starts the car just fine.

The replacement battery checks out to over 13 volts, with the engine off.

I'll replace the bigger battery, but now I'm in no hurry to get it done.

Cheers Mates!