Originally Posted by wildmanee

Have a problem that's really been annoying. Past month I've started my car, and it struggles to start (chugging). Sometimes, when I put the key in in the ignition, and turn to on, nothing will come on. However, if I wait a little bit, the interior light can be turned on with power and the door ajar alarm will be heard once I open the door. Sometimes power will come on after a couple minutes and I will be able to start my car (albeit with the slow start). New battery, replaced the positive terminal, and checked my grounds. What could this problem be? I also notice dimming of the headlights when I'm idling at a stoplight, and when accelerating they brighten. It also seems that the longer the car sits, the more of a chance it has to start up. Could there be a short somewhere? Alternator going bad? Faulty ignition switch? Really don't know what to do about this one. I kinda ruled out the alternator due to the fact that I have started the car several times, and while driving there hasn't been any issues. Grrr, electrical demons...


Also should mention that there is a whine upon accelerating, gets higher pitched. I guess it could be the alternator, but it does not explain why I can still start my car after several weeks.