I had a similar experience with a rear lamp. Have replaced lamps too frequently, but this last time, took the lamp out and went to buy another. The shop was out of the one I needed so I went back home and put the lamp in just until I could find another. It worked fine and has been working for 3 months now. I didn't clean it off but did handle the lamp at its base. Guess the sweat from my frustration at having to replace the lamps so many times cleaned the contact. From now on, I will clean a lamp base before replacing. By the way, the lamps are very easy to replace. Just open the "door" that houses the lamps, pull the connector out, and replace the lamp. The visual directions in the manual are more than adequate to walk you through this.

As far as the slow start is concerned, my wife is famous for leaving the air conditioner on when she parks. Consequently, it's on when she starts up. Have noticed she sometimes has a "little" trouble starting if she doesn't remember to kick-off the a/c before turning the engine over. Since you live in GA, do you park it with a/c on? If so, may want to turn it off to decrease total amp/volt draw on start-up.

Good luck.