Verrrrrry hard to start.... when cold!?

[Joe 90]

Okay, let's just say it's getting very cold up here (in Quebec).... When the temperature gets around -15 c (5 F), it is very dificult to start..... It cranks and cranks and cranks..... If I insist enough, it will eventualy start with a STRONG smell of gaz!

So flooding seams to be the problem! Now, what can cause this? Any ideas? I replaced two faulty coils last week and tought I had fixed the problem but again yesterday at -19C (2F). The same thing happened. Once it starts, everything is normal (fast idle is fine)... No missfire!

For as long as the car is somewhat "warm", it starts just fine! Any clues as where to look first? Any help appreciated!

I would say first up that you have a coolant temp sensor issue.
After that I would say that your Idle Air Bypass valve, (or idle speed control unit, ot Idle air control unit, or IAC, BAC, ISC etc!LOL!), is not opening all the way due to 9 month stint of 'decent' weather!LOL! Check for codes, clean the ISC, see how you go....
You getting any CEL's?

[Joe 90]

G'day.... Thanks for the reply!

No Check Engine Light at all... I'll have to verify if there's any stored codes though.

The Air Bypass Valve is new. replaced it about one month ago.

If the Coolant Temp Sensor was faulty, wouldn't it affect the fast idle and the cooling fans operation? I saw this in an other thread... In my case, once it finaly starts, idle and fans are normal.

[dcarrb]

Replacing the ECU coolant temp sensor cured a hard-starting problem I had whenever the temp was around 32F. Same deal: No CEL, just wouldn't fire stone-cold unless I held the accelerator to the floor.

dcb

[Joe 90]

Coolant Temp Sensor.......!?

I guess it's a "cheap" first place to look at...

Thanks.... I'll let you guys know the outcome.

[dcarrb]

My car had no idle speed or fan issues that I noticed. The sensor cost about $15 at the local O'Reilly Auto Parts; they cross-referenced the Suby part number in their system. Hope that's the extent of your problem.

dcb