I have a 2003 Hyundai Sante Fe and for the last month in the mornings it has a hard time cranking over but once it finally starts, it runs fine with no problems. Now, if I drive it, run into the store for an hour come back out, same problem, struggling to crank over. But if I run it for 5 -10 min. for example, then immediately start it up again it will start up with zero cranking problems. I had an engine diagnostic done twice with 0 luck and am spending hundreds of dollars trying to figure this problem out. I was told by one garage it was my fuel pump so I bought a new pump which costed me $300 and it did no good. Please if anyone who knows what this is let me know as even these dummies at this garages no nothing!! The car only has 48,200 miles so I dont get it. Thanks
I had the same problem. Even If I left the cab light on while gassing up(with the car shut off), my battery would die.
Two things.Purchase voltage meter ($20 - $25) to test your battery output. It should read from 12 to 12.8 volts. Anything close to 10 amps or less, you should replace your battery. You can also run this check with an amp meter with cab probably be even cheaper. Another option is a battery charger with a built in amp meter. Just disconnect the cables and connect the battery charger. When you plug the charger into the wall it will should you a proper amp reading. Again, if it shows too low a reading you need a new battery. This comes from experience as I have a 2005 Santa Fe with the same problem.
The second thing is to take your vehicle to have the alternator checked. With older vehicles we used to start the car and disconnect the negative battery cable.( If you do this, DO NOT let the cable touch anything.Just hold it in your hand.) If the cars shuts off, the alternator isn't charging the battery properly.
*** NOTE*** I'm not sure if this is recommended for newer vehicles but it was an easy fix for older vehicles, a time and money saver for sure.
Good Luck.
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