Won't turn over on the first time.

[Mike Mercer]

This morning when I was leaving the house for work, I turned the key in my ignition and my engine wouldn't even turn over. I turned it back off, waited a few moments then tried again and it started right up. Any suggestions on what might be the cause and where to start looking?

 

[Xado89]

Check your cap/rotor/plugs. Make sure everything is snug and correct. Try checking fuses too, make sure nothing burnt out. Has this been the only time it occurred?

 

[drbandkgb]

May check the wires on the starter too

 

[Mike Mercer]

It's happened a few times before, but that was a few months ago. I did notice a small bit of oil leaking near the starter. Could the oil screw up the starter somehow? And I'll check all the plugs and wires and fuses to make sure everything is all good.

 

[Xterraforce]

Oil can indeed mess up a starter. It's no good for alternators either. It can get inside and if it gets hot enough it gets thick and sticky. It can cause the problem you describe but that doesn't mean that's the cause. If it does it again try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer or something if you can. If it starts right up after that your starter is probably going to need replaced soon. If that doesn't help you can start checking to make sure you're getting power to the starter and all that fun stuff. First though like Dave said, checking the wires at the starter to make sure they're tight and clean would be a good start.