SVX Network Forums Live Chat! SVX or Subaru Links Old Lockers Photo Post How-To Documents Message Archive SVX Shop Search |
IRC users: |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Verrrrrry hard to start.... when cold!?
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!
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
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? |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
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.
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
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 |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Coolant Temp Sensor.......!?
I guess it's a "cheap" first place to look at... Thanks.... I'll let you guys know the outcome.
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
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 |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
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.
__________________
David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Hi Darell,
Quick question, that Coolant Temp Sensor..... Is the one located under the intake manifold, L/H side, rear of the engine....? Right??
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Yes...the 2 wire (less expensive) one.
__________________
David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Fingers crossed for happy ending.......
|
#11
|
||||
|
||||
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
__________________
98 Impreza Wago-O-Doom & Datsun Roadsters |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
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...
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#13
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
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
__________________
Black Betty [Bam a Lam!] '93 UK spec, still languishing Betty Jersey Girl Silver '92 UK [Channel Isles] 40K Jersey Girl @ Mersea Candy Purple Honda Blackbird Plum Dangerous White X2 RVR Mitsubishi 1800GDI. Vantastic 40,000 miles Jersey Girl |
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks for the advise.... And Season's Greetings!
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
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 ($$$)....
__________________
1994 Dark Teal SVX With real HID & Small Car Shift Kit (310000 km and counting) |
|
|