"When starting, the dash lights looked normal, so, I eliminated a weak battery."
I'm confused by this. Did you actually TEST the battery or just go based on no dimming lights when cranking? Crank-no-start conditions are usually either fuel or ignition related. Last time I had this, the shop I had it towed to said it was my fuel pump. The time before that, the shop I had it towed to said it was my spark plugs. Why does this problem only manifest in the Winter, when I have to have it towed instead of DIY? I have no idea!
Then, there's this: "I gave the battery a trickle charge. Yesterday, it starting did not sound like a no-fuel start, it sounded more like starter going bad. Now it always starts, but with a little initial hickup."
It's possible that you had a weak fuel pump (or weak battery or something else). Then, cranking for too long could have overheated the starter or the ignition relay. If you didn't actually test the battery, I'd test it first, plus the alternator to make sure it's actually putting out good voltage and make sure the cables/terminals are clean and tight. Then, I'd be paying someone to replace the fuel pump. While it's certainly a possible DIY, it's a pain to have to deal with the fuel tank and any spilled gas and whatnot. Make sure to have kitty litter on hand before you start. I will say, if your rear brake lines are even a little bit marginal, it may be worth replacing them at the same time. They go up and over the fuel tank, so you have full access when you drop the tank.
I'm confused by this. Did you actually TEST the battery or just go based on no dimming lights when cranking? Crank-no-start conditions are usually either fuel or ignition related. Last time I had this, the shop I had it towed to said it was my fuel pump. The time before that, the shop I had it towed to said it was my spark plugs. Why does this problem only manifest in the Winter, when I have to have it towed instead of DIY? I have no idea!
Then, there's this: "I gave the battery a trickle charge. Yesterday, it starting did not sound like a no-fuel start, it sounded more like starter going bad. Now it always starts, but with a little initial hickup."
It's possible that you had a weak fuel pump (or weak battery or something else). Then, cranking for too long could have overheated the starter or the ignition relay. If you didn't actually test the battery, I'd test it first, plus the alternator to make sure it's actually putting out good voltage and make sure the cables/terminals are clean and tight. Then, I'd be paying someone to replace the fuel pump. While it's certainly a possible DIY, it's a pain to have to deal with the fuel tank and any spilled gas and whatnot. Make sure to have kitty litter on hand before you start. I will say, if your rear brake lines are even a little bit marginal, it may be worth replacing them at the same time. They go up and over the fuel tank, so you have full access when you drop the tank.
