It sounds like there's issues turning the starter over when trying to start my F4i. Basically, it sounds like the cranking is struggling and happening really slowly, and after 1 - 3 turns it'll just stop trying. Occasionally it'll turn over fine and start if I let it sit for a while, though.

I originally thought it was the battery, since I'd forgotten to trickle charge over the Winter. I replaced the battery, ensured the new one was fully charged, and it had the same issue. One of the times that I WAS able to get it to start, I went for about a 45 minute ride just to clear it out. I tried turning it on when I came home after that ride (engine was hot), and it started on about the third turn. Tried again, and it wouldn't start at all. If I keep trying, it stops trying to turn over at all (and the clock on my display resets to 1:00 as if the battery lost charge).

What could cause this? Bad starter? Bad plugs? Bad air filter? What's a good place to start?

Thanks a ton for any help!

 

Check your charging system. Stator and regulator/rectifier

 

Hi, as orangef3 advised, check your charging system first. If you have or can borrow a multi-meter, start the engine with jump leads from another 12 volt vehicle and then place the meter leads onto the battery terminals. You should see between 13.5and14.2 volts when you rev the motor. Any less than this or if the reading remains at 12volts or goes down then you need to check or substitute the rectifier/regulator and check the output from the alternator. A Haynes manual for your year and model is the way to go! Good luck!