What might be wrong with the car?

[Martin]

So I'm about to get a hand-me-down car, and its a decent car, except for one problem: It has trouble starting in the cold. In the morning you have to try 5-10 times before it starts, although once it does its fine. It doesn't have that problem after its been running for a bit. For example, I park, go somewhere for 2 hrs, then come back..starts the first itme around.

I know no one can say anything specific, but roughtly speaking, what might be wrong with it?

 

[acemcmac]

How's this for specific: how old is the battery?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

How "cold" is cold? If it has trouble starting for the first trip of the day, it could very well be a weak battery. If it's a hand-me-down car, it's quite likely. See if you can find out how long that battery's been in the car.

A warmer engine is easier to crank, so a weak battery won't struggle to start it. That's why it would start easier after being shut off for an hour or two, as opposed to being started first thing in the morning.

 

[aircooled]

Year/Make/Model will be helpful.

 

[Zalez]

I have a mini-van that is cold blooded. I have a heater in the oil pan and if it isn't plugged in overnight, the damn thing takes for ever to start and after started takes about 10 minutes before it will run right. But if I keep it plugged in, it starts fine. Maybe looking into getting a heater for the oil pan?

 

[Martin]

Cold as in -5 to -10°C. The colder, the harder it starts.. Its 1995 Sonata, but we bought a new battery about a year ago.

 

[TUKIN18S]

Is it just not starting or is the turning over of the engine slow?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: Martin
Cold as in -5 to -10°C. The colder, the harder it starts.. Its 1995 Sonata, but we bought a new battery about a year ago.

A few options:

1) have battery tested even though it's a year old. Some batteries are defective and don't last long.

2) Look into the condition of the alternator. It may not be charging the battery as much as it should be.

3) What kind of oil is in the engine? For colder temps, a lower weight oil should be used, as it is thinner and therefore is less difficult for a cold engine to turn over.

 

[funboy6942]

Weak coil pack or worn out ignition parts (spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor)

Take the coil plug wire off, use some electrical plyers, and stick a screw driver in when the cap will go. Hold the screw driver close to a metal part while a buddy truns the engine over. Do this when it is cold as you say and you should get a spark from almost 1 inch away. Should produce a very good pop and be bright. If you have to hold it close to the metal part or can barly see the arch then there is your problem and fix it.

Word of warning though. Keep in mind electricity will follow the shortest, less resistiance path so if your not insulated by some kind of rubber insulation you will get the brunt of the jolt and it wont feel too good

I use linemans plyers or if I have one available they do make a spark tester with clear plastic so you can see if it is sparking without having to hold it but then you wont be a man anymore using it

 

[Martin]

well, thanks for the suggestions, I'm a real noob when it comes to car mechanics.

 

[SaturnX]

Hrmm, if it's got problems starting in -10 weather then it should be looked at, especially since it's only a 95, then again how many KM on it?

But I suggest:

1. Battery
2. Alternator
3. Starter
4. The entire electrical starting system.

I know it's broad, but a good place to start nonetheless, and as mentioned, put in some lower weight oil.

Also, you could go ahead and use a block heater, if it has one.. but for -10 it really shouldn't be necessary.

--Mark

 

[alien42]

i had an old beater that would do that and i would have to stick a screwdriver down the carburetor to keep it open and then start the car

 

[mackle]

Just like one of the person above said: Check the battery, then if it's still good, maybe change the spark-plugs, and if its not, try alternato. Good luck!!

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: aircooled
Year/Make/Model will be helpful.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: SaturnX
Hrmm, if it's got problems starting in -10 weather then it should be looked at, especially since it's only a 95, then again how many KM on it?

But I suggest:

1. Battery
2. Alternator
3. Starter
4. The entire electrical starting system.

I know it's broad, but a good place to start nonetheless, and as mentioned, put in some lower weight oil.

Also, you could go ahead and use a block heater, if it has one.. but for -10 it really shouldn't be necessary.

--Mark

1 How can it be battery if he doesnt need a jump and it turns over?
2 How can it be alt when again his battery isnt dead and doesnt need a jump to start?
3 How can it be a starter if it is turning over?
4 How can it be that if the other stuff is working?

If it doesnt need a jump and it is chug starting, meaning its turining over fine but have to keep on the starter till it starts to run on its own but runs fine after that means tune up is needed or the coil isnt giving out enough power

As for a block heater, it isnt needed unless you have a diesel or it gets -25+ out. If your oil is two thick in the cold yes you will need it but for the most part one is not needed.

Causes of oil getting thick in not too cold of weather 0 to -20:
Wrong weight. Use 5w30 or 10w30 in winter.

Been awhile since last oil change. Two things happen here with oil that is old. If you car has milage on it and has alot or some blowby (gasses that pass the rings) it will gum up the oil and make it very sticky like syurp left in the fridge when cold.

When you exceed the usefull life of your oil in a car that is newer with no blowby it actually thins out to the point it can go past the rings and the car will burn it all up.

But in the winter on not so cold 0 to-20 you really shouldnt be needed a block or oil pan heater but on severaly cold days.