Gradually hard starting

[mijohnst]

My wife's Escalade with a 6.2 has a recurring issue that gradually gets worse over time. When you press the start button, the engine struggles to turn over...and the longer it goes, the harder it gets to start. The only reliable fix I’ve found is to replace the battery, which is why I stick with the DieHard Platinum that comes with a three-year warranty. Typically, I have to replace the battery 3-4 times during those three years.

After installing a new battery, it starts fine for about 8 to 12 months. But once it starts having trouble again, I also begin to see warning lights on the dash — traction control disabled, ABS light on, that sort of thing. Swapping in a fresh battery clears everything up.

What’s odd is that every time I have the battery tested at Advance Auto, it comes back showing a full charge with cranking amps well above spec. Still, replacing the battery is the only thing that consistently resolves the problem.

Any thoughts?

 

[the 18th letter]

Try replacing the cables and cleaning the ground points.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

^^^^^x2^^^^^ This is the first place to start your troubleshooting. Also use an Ohm meter to test the continuity of the cables connecting to your battery, as these primary cables tend to rot from the inside out. Let us know what you find, and we can proceed from there.

 

[Fless]

Look up "voltage drop test" and load test the - and + cable connections from the battery to the engine and body. That will tell you lots more than a simple ohm test, which is limited to continuity and not the ability to handle high current loads.

 

[mijohnst]

Just wanted to jump back in and thank you all for the great suggestions. Sure enough, the issue was the negative terminal cable. I tightened it down as much as I could, but I can still move it a bit with just a little pressure. I've ordered a replacement cable and will be swapping it out soon. Really appreciate the help — y’all are awesome!