Chevrolet Repair: Pre-Start Lag, chevrolet impala, cold engine

Question
Dear James:


I own a 2000 Chevrolet Impala with the base 3.4 V6 motor. For the past while whenever I go to start up the car (hot or cold engine, esp cold) the engine will crank slow and lag then after 2-3 seconds,it will speed up and start and run well afterwards as normal. The battery is obviously holding a charge but it sounds like it is low whenever you go to start up the car.The lag effect happens as well when the engine is warm and after driving awhile, but not as noticeable. Do you have any idea what may be causing this? Normally the car would crank consistently from the turn of the key and start right up, now this lag is present. Any comments,tips or suggestions/answers would be much appreciated.

Thank You

Answer
First. Define lag? Is it the engine that lags?
Or does it sound like the engine wants to start but then pauses for a second and then cranks to start?
If this is the answer, How old is the battery in the car?
Most bateeries can have whats called a dead cell meaning the battery will still hold a charge and start the car, but, it will "lag" or seem to pause before continuing on to crank the motor. If this sounds like the correct answer, replace the battery.
If the battery is not a sealed battery, take your car to a parts store and have the individual cells checked.