car won't start in winter

bb00y · 01-21-05, 09:38

i was wondering if anybody could help me out with this problem.
in cold weather, my car would not start. the only way i can get it to start is by leaving it in the acc mode (ignition) for a certain amount of time, then it'll start. i asked a friend and he said it could be because the battery drop amp in cold weather. if this is the case, then just replacing the battery should work just fine then right?
thank you.

BigLeegr · 01-21-05, 09:42

If the battery is weak, you should at least get a slow "rrrr" from the engine as you try to start it. Is it a diesel? Are you giving the glow plugs a chance to "get ready?"
Have you had your battery/charging system checked yet?

Any other info you can give?

White95Max · 01-21-05, 09:53

If you have an ordinary fuel-injected vehicle, you may just need a battery with more cold-cranking Amps. I had some trouble starting my car last winter when it got below 0F, so I went out this spring and got a new battery with 900 CCA as opposed to the 760CCA I had last winter. I've had no problems yet.

Yes your friend is right. The battery puts out a lower amperage in colder temperatures. If you look at any car battery, it shows two numbers...one is the amperage it can put out in warm temperatures, the other (lower #) is Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).

Prometheus · 01-21-05, 10:47

Battery might do it, the other common problem is that your fuel pump needs time to get the fuel from your tank to the engine. In colder weather, the engine needs more fuel to start, so the pump has to work harder and push more volume. If the gas line is half empty, it will take a while of cranking over before the fuel gets to your engine. If you put the key to the acc position, the fuel pump turns on and pumps fuel. You can actually hear this on most cars. I usually leave it on acc for about 5 seconds then turn the car on, works every time.

Another thing you may want to try, is turn on your headlights for about 10 seconds before starting the car. This "warms up" the battery, and in essence gives it more cranking power. You might want to try this stuff before you go out and buy a new battery. Good luck.

paco · 01-21-05, 11:07

You can also get a battery warmer as well that you plug in like a block heater. Put it on a timer and you're all set. Nice warm battery.

bb00y · 01-21-05, 01:10

thank you all.

saltydog · 01-21-05, 01:11

Try keeping the gas full and pour a bottle of gas line anti-freeze.