alank2

My 2008 xB has begun to start a little rough. It cleans up after a few seconds and runs strong, but the start is rougher than usual. It has 113K miles on it. What should I try or look at first?

RichBinAZ

Spark plugs

alank2

That is the _one_ thing I am top of. Replaced about 20K miles ago.

cannonierd

Dirty throttle body.

alank2

Once it starts, it runs and idles great. What is weird is that it sometimes starts super great, but other times it starts sluggish. I took it to Walmart today and they tested the battery (good) and the charging system (also good). I put a new alternator into it maybe 6 months ago.

Could it be the starter itself? Is the starter solenoid part of the starter? I saw a youtube video on changing the starter and it didn't look too bad.

RichBinAZ

You need to describe "rough starting" more clearly.
If the starter is spinning at regular speed during a "rough start"... It's not the starter or the solenoid or the battery

alank2

I wish I could, it is tough to describe because it doesn't seem like it is similar. One time it was like two slow turnovers and then it started it up. Another time it started up, but ran rough for a second or two. I put some fuel injection cleaner in it and have been watching its start more closely. Haven't had a repeat of the rough start or the slow start in the last 8-10 starts.

RichBinAZ

Slow starts could mean a bad ground. After checking the battery negative post, try the other end of the ground cable
Clean up loose or corroded bits.
I have never found fuel injection cleaner to be useful.

alank2

Got it; will check the ground/chassis connection. Thanks!