GMC Sonoma Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(89)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(89)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a GMC Sonoma Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1995 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2000 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1991 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1991 GMC SonomaV6-2.8LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1997 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2003 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2003 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1997 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example GMC Sonoma Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert GMC mechanics

Real customer reviews from GMC owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(89)

Rating Summary
85
1
0
2
1
85
1
0
2
1

Sam

15 years of experience
123 reviews
Sam
15 years of experience
GMC Sonoma V6-4.3L - Car is hard to start Inspection - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
He was on time. Polite, professional, and explained everything in a way us non mechanical people can understand. I would Definitely let Sam work on my truck again!

Lucas

21 years of experience
885 reviews
Lucas
21 years of experience
GMC Sonoma V6-4.3L - Check Engine Light is on - West Hills, California
Lucas was a very knowledgeable man, he pinpoint the issues of mu vehicle and it went smoothly from there. He'll be my number 1 to go to mechanic

Jeffrey

27 years of experience
870 reviews
Jeffrey
27 years of experience
GMC Sonoma V6-4.3L - Transmission Fluid Service - Rock Hill, South Carolina
He was on time and did a very personal job. Was more that happy to share his knowledge with you about your vehicle. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Jeffrey. Your a great person. I will rebook again no doubt.

Angel

17 years of experience
106 reviews
Angel
17 years of experience
GMC Sonoma V6-4.3L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Homestead, Florida
Very professional, did a good job in a short amount of time

Excellent Rating

(89)

Rating Summary
85
1
0
2
1
85
1
0
2
1
Number of GMC Sonoma services completed
979+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT GMC MECHANICS
900+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does a Transmission Speed Sensor Last?
The The transmission speed sensor measures the RPMs of the shaft of the transmission. While the engine is running, but not moving, then the input shaft of the transmission is not moving either. When the input shaft moves, the transmission...
How to Replace a Fuel Filler Neck
The filler neck for the fuel tank fails if there is exterior damage on the neck or if an error code shows that vapors are present.
What Does the Bulb Failure (Exterior Light Fault, License Plate Bulb, Brake Light Bulb) Warning Light Mean?
The bulb failure light turns on when any exterior light on your car isn't working. It's important to fix this so others can see your car's position.

if one hydraulic valve lifter is damaged do i have to replace all 16

Hello. Thanks for writing in about your Jeep Commander. No you do not have to replace all of the hydraulic valve lifters but I recommend that you do. You have to open up the engine just to get the single...

What's wrong when the battery light and the brake light comes on then the car starts running weird the dashboard lights go off the

The problem sounds like the alternator stopped charging and caused you to slowly start to loose power and then engine died and would not restart unless you jump start the car or recharge the battery. You will need to test...

I hit a curb on my right tire. It is now leaking green fluid and oil near the belt and pullys and the bottom

The green fluid, if from the engine compartment, is probably anti-freeze. If the fluid is from the tire itself, it is probably a tire sealing compound that was within the tire. If the anti-freeze and/or oil leak is from the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com