Turn the key and hear something that sounds like it is spinning (I guess the starter motor), but the engine is not turning over. Try a few times and the same. On about the 6-7 try it engaged and started up fine. Unfortunately I stalled just on the road just after backing out (manual tranny, figures ... can't remember the last time I stalled - LOL). Same problem when I tried to restart, except I didn't get lucky after 6-7 tries. Decide to turn out the headlights to save some juice - it starts. Drive around for about 5-10 minutes and return to the driveway. Same problem, turning out headlights allows it to start. After a few on-off cycles suddenly it starts working properly even with headlights on (tried about 3 cycles).

Any thoughts on what the problem is/was? Battery or starter motor or something else? I washed the car and engine compartment earlier in the day - don't know if this is relevant. Battery is original (2003) but until now have never had any issues at all related to starting.

-GT

What year, engine, how many miles? I'd guess starter or battery

What year, engine, how many miles? I'd guess starter or battery

2003, 3.2L, 135,000 kms (call it 85,000 miles).

-GT

I would guess the battery lost its charge, and after you drove it around a lil' bit, the alt. charged it back up. Strange...

The Bendix drive on the starter is full of clutch dust. Take the starter off, clean the starter Bendix, and relube it.

The Bendix drive on the starter is full of clutch dust. Take the starter off, clean the starter Bendix, and relube it.

Yea, I was thinking along those lines also. Tried the car again today and it seems to start ok.

Anyone know if it is a big job to remove the starter on the 3.2L? If it is I'll probably wait to see if it happens again before going to the trouble.

-GT

I've never done it but slide under there and see where it is. (passenger side,under the engine) You have to remove the exhaust pipe to the catalitic convertor. Those bolts are rusted, so get new ones, remove the bolts and try to manuver it out of the tiny spot they have it in.

When mine goes, the dealer could rape me, I don't care, i'll pay it. I'm not going to do it myself.

By the way how old is you battery? if it's more than 3 years, get a new one. Be sure it's 800 CCA or more. i bought the DIE Hard Gold and was able to get it in there. That resolved my starting problems.

Here is a picture of the Die Hard in the CTS

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8382/photo042008008vp8.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo042008008vp8.jpg)

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/73/photo042008009kb4.th.jpg (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo042008009kb4.jpg)

My guess goes to the battery too. Multiple reports on that, including mine.

I had the exact same problem a couple of months ago! I may have even posted a thread looking for help. Mine is an automatic with about 21k miles when it happened. I finally started after about 8 tries through the day and part of the evening. When I took it to the dealer the next day, they said there was a service bulletin out describing the symptoms which required an injection system cleaning. I didn't believe this to be the problem, especially with so little miles! I've never experienced anything like this! The problem has not happened again yet but I would feel better if they had a more believable explanation.

good luck!

Lots of CTS through 2006 have electrical malfunctions which are difficult to diagnose, isolate and resolve. Understandably, dealers try to resolve the issues by applying the most economical repairs which might possibly resolve the problem if the car is under warranty. If its not under warranty, clearly there is a far greater probability that a more expensive repair will be required. My elderly parents' 2006 CTS has been in the shop four times for the same problem and has less the 15,000 miles on it. Perhaps the fourth time is the charm, but when seniors are repeatedly stranded, they loose confidence in vehicles, so we're in the market for a new vehicle. I can give you a great deal on a 2006 thats still under warranty.

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No thank you. I already have one that I can't trust. It's in the shop now beause the DIC went blank.

When they serviced the injection system on mine they gave me a copy of the service bulletin. You may want to ask about Document ID#1986740.

I like the new one alot! I'll probably start shopping for one or wait for the coupe.

Here is a picture of the Die Hard in the CTS

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8382/photo042008008vp8.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo042008008vp8.jpg)

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/73/photo042008009kb4.th.jpg (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo042008009kb4.jpg)

Do you have a model number of the Die Hard? It doesn't officially match the CTS does it? Did you have to do any mods at all to make it fit? I'll probably go get one if it fits without much fuss. Hate being raped by the dealer for the AC Delco battery!

-GT

Here is the Model # 33078. It's application code B-16 size 78 795 CCA.

The guy at Sears said it won't fit, I measured twice and said sell it to me I'll install it. I had to slide it to the right 1" so the hinge doesn't hit when you slam it. I also had to discard that nice cloth cover that came with the original battery and trim the rubber seal a little. Other than that, it works great.

I found a post on the SRX that apparently also uses the ACDelco 101:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-srx-forum/118651-group-101-battery-alternatives.html

The size of the DieHard 33078 is Height 7-11/16, Width 7-1/16, Length 10-1/4 per:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02833078000P?keyword=33078&sLevel=0

The size of the Optima redtop 34/78 is Height 7-13/16, Width 6-7/8, Length 10 per:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_edge/technical_specs.php

If your battery is the original from 2003, I would think it is the battery. Given that age, it would not hurt to change it anyways. In the desert of Phoenix we are lucky to have a battery last 3 years, regardless of the brand.

It looks like the Optima will also fit.

Before I bought my car, I looked at one that had an Optima red top, so I always thought that would fit. But then again, that guy was a dope! I would like to try the Optima because I've had great experience with their batteries. The only down side to the Optima is the dual terminals. If something conductive comes in contact with the unused top terminal, then you have a big problem. Keep them covered!

BTW, always make sure to use the battery hold downs. If not, the battery can move and the positive terminal can short against something. I saw a truck that basically caught on fire from that.

Dan

If someone did some investigation I think the Sears Die Hard may be made by Interstate. At Sam's Club they have interstate batteries and they look exactly the same as Sears. ( the labels the tags, everything) You may be able to get the same battery ( Die Hard Gold ) a little cheaper at Sams.

[QUOTE=GT!;1489565]Turn the key and hear something that sounds like it is spinning (I guess the starter motor), but the engine is not turning over. Try a few times and the same. On about the 6-7 try it engaged and started up fine. Unfortunately I stalled just on the road just after backing out (manual tranny, figures ... can't remember the last time I stalled - LOL). Same problem when I tried to restart, except I didn't get lucky after 6-7 tries. Decide to turn out the headlights to save some juice - it starts. Drive around for about 5-10 minutes and return to the driveway. Same problem, turning out headlights allows it to start. After a few on-off cycles suddenly it starts working properly even with headlights on (tried about 3 cycles).

Any thoughts on what the problem is/was? Battery or starter motor or something else? I washed the car and engine compartment earlier in the day - don't know if this is relevant. Battery is original (2003) but until now have never had any issues at all related to starting.

-GT[/QUOTe
It's your starter motor. When you normally start the car the starter gear comes out to engage the motor gear. Yours is or was sticking & not coming out to engage with the motor. that's why you could hear it spinning but the motor was not turning over. It is a very easy job to replace the starter.

Hi Tornado1, have you replaced the stater on a 3.2? I slid under there to see it and realized that I'd have to remove the exhast pipe (rusted bolts), then unbolt it and the connectors and get it out of that cubby whole. I got discouraged quick. On my 56 chevy, I could do it in 20 miniutes.

The Bendix drive on the starter is full of clutch dust. Take the starter off, clean the starter Bendix, and relube it.

The Bendix (starter drive) on these starters is not servicable. There is a can that is swagged on so there is no way to get in there and re-grease the sprag. I have one I cut open if you want me to post pictures. Looks like they are sealed pretty well.