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

Joe 90 · #1 12-22-2005, 04:00 AM

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!

#2 12-22-2005, 04:39 AM

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 · #3 12-22-2005, 09:30 AM

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 · #4 12-22-2005, 09:41 AM

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 · #5 12-22-2005, 09:57 AM

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

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

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

dcarrb · #6 12-22-2005, 10:03 AM

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

Earthworm · #7 12-22-2005, 11:14 AM

The sensor isn't bad enough to trip the code but the longer you leave it the worse it will get. Eventually you will get the code.

Joe 90 · #8 12-22-2005, 11:20 AM

Hi Darell,

Quick question, that Coolant Temp Sensor..... Is the one located under the intake manifold, L/H side, rear of the engine....? Right??

Earthworm · #9 12-22-2005, 11:29 AM

Yes...the 2 wire (less expensive) one.

#10 12-23-2005, 07:57 PM

Fingers crossed for happy ending.......

curly2k3 · #11 12-24-2005, 07:10 AM

try and replace the battery too, mine was having this same problem but I replaced my battery and it starts on the first crank now

Joe 90 · #12 12-26-2005, 12:05 PM

Ok, I replaced the Coolant Temp Sensor.... Now, I just need some cold weather to see if it's fixed.....

I'll let you guys know...

svxistentialist · #13 12-26-2005, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curly2k3

try and replace the battery too, mine was having this same problem but I replaced my battery and it starts on the first crank now

It would be nice if it was the sensor, a cheap fix.

I would suspect the battery also. Better batteries have a very high number of what are called "cold cranking amps" to have enough energy to crank a very cold engine, and still have enough left over to make the sparks. Maybe if your battery is old or part worn, it simply does not have enough energy for both jobs.

A related area to this is using a lighter winter oil, one that does not remain too viscous at these extreme low temps.[Naturally, you would not use a low viscosity winter oil in your car in the summer, it would not be good enough for high temps under load or stress]

If the sensor does not cure it, one or both of the above points may relate to your problem. Best of luck on it.

Joe

Joe 90 · #14 12-26-2005, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the advise.... And Season's Greetings!

Joe 90 · #15 12-28-2005, 06:09 AM

Well..... It was cold here yesterday and the car is still verrrry hard to start!

So.... I pulled the codes.... 13 (Cam Angle Sensor) and 28 (LH Knock Sensor)....

Can the CAS be at cause?! (I guess it could...)

Anyone has experienced a bad Cam Angle Sensor???

Anyone has a spare one for sale??

I just want to avoid replacing the battery if not necessary ($$$)....