I have turned off the car many times when coasting to a red light. On rare occasions the car won't start again right away until I put the car back in D (rather than N, which normally works fine). A handful of times I've had to take the key out and then start the car up from there.
But a couple nights ago, the car seemed unstartable. I tried my tricks, jiggled the gear shift, and so on. The lights in the cabin came on, but the engine didn't make a sound. It seemed like the starter might have died (I've been warned). I phoned the wife and told her I might need to call smart roadside.
Five minutes after I'd given up on my attempts, I tried one more time. Vrooooom. And since that time, the car's been fine. Any ideas on what why the car wouldn't start... and then did?
That's convient when you have one of those tanks behind you honking their horn like crazy telling you to move. I'd watch out they might run over you in that little car. I would have smart look at it.
I have turned off the car many times when coasting to a red light. On rare occasions the car won't start again right away until I put the car back in D (rather than N, which normally works fine). A handful of times I've had to take the key out and then start the car up from there.
But a couple nights ago, the car seemed unstartable. I tried my tricks, jiggled the gear shift, and so on. The lights in the cabin came on, but the engine didn't make a sound. It seemed like the starter might have died (I've been warned). I phoned the wife and told her I might need to call smart roadside.
Five minutes after I'd given up on my attempts, I tried one more time. Vrooooom. And since that time, the car's been fine. Any ideas on what why the car wouldn't start... and then did?
Not to be a smartass (pardon the pun), but I'd start with the fact that you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing. Turning it off when coasting to a red light? Starting it while in N? What, in God's name, for? To eke out an extra half-mile to the gallon while putting undue stress on your starter, electrical system, and car in general, not to mention putting yourself in danger? :::shaking head:::
Not to be a smartass (pardon the pun), but I'd start with the fact that you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing. Turning it off when coasting to a red light? Starting it while in N? What, in God's name, for? To eke out an extra half-mile to the gallon while putting undue stress on your starter, electrical system, and car in general, not to mention putting yourself in danger? :::shaking head:::
Yes, they do, which is why I think it odd to shut it off while coasting. I can understand shutting it down at a light, after stopping, if one knows the light will be red for a good bit. I do that too.
I agree that undue stress is the most likely cause. Consider testing the whole starting system, including battery. It takes a LOT of energy to start an engine, even a 3 cylinder. Starting systems are designed with MTBF calculated for 2, 4, maybe 10 starts a day, not at each stoplight. In a "normal car" you'll get 5-8 years on the starter @ 3-4 starts per day. The battery will last 4-5 years if it's allowed to charge for 30 minutes after it's used to crank up. Yes, it can take 30 minutes to trickle charge from a 5-second start cycle. Why? The alternator's not designed to recharge 10-20 times a day every day, while maintaining spark and other demands.
This is why I believe that shutting off the engine does more harm than good (in addition to the heat cycle... water pump doesn't operate, temp spikes in one area, drops in another). It's all adding age to the car's components about 3-4 times normal rate. I'd expect some things to start failing after a year or two, yes.
Well, just when you thought you'd heard everything!!!!!
Why would you shut everything off coming up to a red light?
What is the idea behind this practice?
Car won't start in D, has to be in park or neutral, so not sure you know what you are on about!
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Sonic
you'll get 5-8 years on the starter @ 3-4 starts per day. The battery will last 4-5 years if it's allowed to charge for 30 minutes after it's used to crank up. Yes, it can take 30 minutes to trickle charge from a 5-second start cycle. Why? The alternator's not designed to recharge 10-20 times a day every day, while maintaining spark and other demands. 
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