Questions and Answers

Dodge Neon Cranks Slow Q. 1996 Dodge Neon Expresso. I am hoping you can give me some insight into my problem. I am a typical female and I no nothing about cars. I know where the gas goes, how to check my oil, and how to change a tire and that is it. I came out to my car the other morning and went to start it up and it hesitated a little before finally starting. Almost as if the battery was drained.

After it runs for awhile it seems to start just fine. I thought maybe it was because there was a lot of stuffed caked onto the battery terminals. So I cleaned them, but that didn't seem to do the trick. Now I am at a loss as to what it could be. Could it be a bad starter? I am only asking so that I can get an idea of what to expect to hear when I go to the mechanic to get it fixed. I recently took my car to a mechanic for an oil change and he gave me a list of things that were wrong with my car.

I later find out from another mechanic that I had been taken and way over charged. I feel that sometimes being a woman who doesn't know anything about cars, that mechanics seem to prey on that. I am hoping that you can give me some insight so I can go in well armed and not end up being swindled out of more of my money. I know you are probably loaded with questions from others, but any help you can give would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rebecca

A. I didn't know there was such a thing as a "typical female". I have found that every Lady I ever met was special in some way.

Anyway, While there are mechanics and shops who prey on people who don't know cars, and it's not just women, the vast majority are good, honest, hard working people. And I am always here to offer any advice or help I can.

With the slow cranking, I'm think it's just a battery starting to go bad. It's probably the original battery and it's time for a new one. What you need to do is have the charging system tested. This will tell you if the alternator is charging the battery. Then a load test on the battery to determine it's condition. I seriously doubt it's a bad starter. The charging system test can be done at most of the larger parts stores for free or a small charge.

If you have any questions about what they tell you, drop me a note and I will help you sort it out. And I will never be too busy to give you an answer.

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