Difficult first start every day in W214. Why?

[Me22]

The only way to start my W214 (E300, 1991, petrol engine) every morning is to turn on the key WITHOUT pressing the accelerator pedal. The engine will turn VERY slowly, then gradually accelerates to normal speed. It will start fine the rest of the day. Only the first start is difficult. Sometimes it needs few attempts to start it.
Note: It will not start if I press the accelerator pedal before turning on the key first thing in the morning.
Any ideas what is causing the problem?

 

[Blobcat]

What condition is your battery in?

 

[Me22]

What condition is your battery in?

About 4 years old. Able to start the car.

 

[sonic]

Put a meter on the battery see what the volts are before starting.

 

[Me22]

Thank you for the replies. I will check it, but I expect it will not be high as I only use the car for very short distances.
Why do you think a low voltage can cause the problem?

 

[mioba]

The battery provides the oomph to turn the engine.

 

[sonic]

Thank you for the replies. I will check it, but I expect it will not be high as I only use the car for very short distances.
Why do you think a low voltage can cause the problem?

If I don't use my car I charge it ever other week, try charging it.

 

[Me22]

Put a meter on the battery see what the volts are before starting.

I used an analogue multimeter this morning. The reading was 12 volts.
The car started in the usual way.
I took the battery out and left it to charge. I will use it this evening and will let you know if it makes a difference.

 

[Blobcat]

12V is too low, 12.6V is what you want for a battery at rest

 

[Me22]

12V is too low, 12.6V is what you want for a battery at rest

That is good to know. The battery is getting old and I don't do enough mileage to charge it. I will be away till the weekend. When I get back, I will replace the battery before starting the car again. Thank you for the advice and the fast reply.

 

[Blobcat]

That is good to know. The battery is getting old and I don't do enough mileage to charge it. I will be away till the weekend. When I get back, I will replace the battery before starting the car again. Thank you for the advice and the fast reply.

If you have mains available where you park it get a battery conditioner and leave it on that when you’re not using it.

 

[Me22]

If you have mains available where you park it get a battery conditioner and leave it on that when you’re not using it.

Interesting. I have always been disconnecting the battery from the car if I was going to charge it.

 

[Blobcat]

Interesting. I have always been disconnecting the battery from the car if I was going to charge it.

I’ve 6 battery conditioners on 5 different vehicles and none of the batteries are disconnected.

 

[EmilysDad]

As above. Ctek even provide a means of quick connection to the battery where access is difficult

 

[sonic]

As above. Ctek even provide a means of quick connection to the battery where access is difficult

Got one of those on my motorbike.

 

[EmilysDad]

Got one of those on my motorbike.

So do I And there's one on my Smart Roadster ...... I did buy one for my 451 Smart but that's still waiting to be fitted - is over 2 years stretching things?

 

[Blobcat]

So do I And there's one on my Smart Roadster ...... I did buy one for my 451 Smart but that's still waiting to be fitted - is over 2 years stretching things?

If a man says he’ll do something, he’ll do it… there’s no need to remind him every 6 months…