Okay, so I just got back from my 1000 mile road trip. I’ve had my car (96 SE) for a few months and it has been starting fine. Well, after driving the first 300 or so miles in the rain we get to our hotel and when we go out to move the car, the engine wouldn’t start on the first two tries, all the lights came on etc. - like when in “on” position, but nothing at all from the engine. On the third try it started and ran fine. A few starts later it tried to start the engine but it wouldn’t catch on the first two tries until the third time when giving it some gas while starting. This is the only time that that has happened, with the engine actually trying to start. Now almost every time I try to start the max it will just sit there on the first few tries, like you just have the key to “on” but will not start.

The only problem that I’m aware of is a recurring 9-1 code for the front right heated O2 sensor Heater (CEL is on). The sensor is brand new, but I’m still getting the code meaning that there must be a wiring problem or something. I don’t think this could be causing it, because this problem has been there for a while w/ no trouble starting. I did notice that the car did do this once after cleaning the fuel injectors and once after disconnecting the battery (about a week or so ago) My friend thinks that it seems related to disconnecting the battery

Does anyone know what could be causing this? I’m really worried because I don’t want to end up stranded somewhere because my car won’t start.

Please Help

 

how old is the starter? I think it's time to replace it

 

probably, I've only had the car a few months, it has 161,000 miles on it and I'm not sure if the starter has ever been replaced

But do you think that this problem could be caused by a "crusty" battery? It has only done this since the battery has been disconnected and someone was telling me that it could be because the battery connectors are dirty. The battery is pretty crusty looking.

Any thoughts?

BTW how much would a new starter run?

Ugh- how much more can go wrong with this damn car-

Thanks

 

I would guess either battery or starter. There isn't very much on the ignition circuit (believe me I know it thoroughly now).
$140 for an Autozone remanufactured unit with a lifetime warranty. $260 from the dealer
-hype

 

I hope it's just the battery.

Should I try using some baking soda and maybe a toothbrush to clean it off?