Cold weather bugs

[Docta]

Alright, so I go to start my car this morning and it's a brisk -5 and I put the key in, turn it, and nothing happens. About 5 seconds later I get electricals. This isn't a new thing btw.. but moving on. I let it wake up etc. 25ish second later I try to start it. Turn the key, nothing. Not even a crank. It's got 16 on the battery guage. I hold thy key to start it for maybe 15-20 seconds before anything happens. This is only in a cold day conditions. Makes no sense. Do cars get laggy on cold days?

[whitdog54]

Re: Cold weather bugs

Check the wiring from the battery. Might be loose or corroded.

[Docta]

Re: Cold weather bugs

And cold makes that happen?

[whitdog54]

Re: Cold weather bugs

no it happens over time.....

[bigbrian442]

Re: Cold weather bugs

I think the ignition switch is gummed up and the grease in it gets hard when it gets cold.

[Mark42]

Re: Cold weather bugs

Sounds like the starter solenoid is sticking. When cold, any lube can get so thick and sticky that the coil can't "pull in" and close the contacts. Holding the key in the start position is putting voltage through the solenoid coil, and it starts to warm up. Eventually it is warm enough that the sticky stuff lets go and it can pull in and make contact, engaging the starter, and you have ignition.

Instead of holding the key on until the solenoid kicks in, try holding it on for 10 seconds, then wait 20 seconds for the heat of the coil to dissipate and warm up the sticking parts. Then try again. It could help prevent running the battery down when its cold.

[cam98aro]

Re: Cold weather bugs

I would also check the battery connections, as that is the likely cause IMO.. It could also be the starter, but usually the solenoid will push the gear out, but it wont go back in and cause a loud grinding sound for a few seconds

[Docta]

Re: Cold weather bugs

It's not the battery, checked that. Could the whole thing with the starter be causing my grinding sound too?

[Docta]

Re: Cold weather bugs

And if it matters, I started it just now and its 11 deg with no trouble at all...

[Mark42]

Re: Cold weather bugs

Ghosts in the Machine.... :D

[cam98aro]

Re: Cold weather bugs

I mean, when it gets really cold out, i remember my car used to "lag" a bit, for instance the door chimes would sometimes chime very slow with a delay, but I have never had a delay when hitting the key, although its rare that it gets below 0*F here for an extended period of time

[Docta]

Re: Cold weather bugs

It's a different grind than the starter. And I turned the key a few times today without the clutch and then it started right up. It's. Just weird **** that bothers me..

[96RS Alex]

Re: Cold weather bugs

I mean, when it gets really cold out, i remember my car used to "lag" a bit, for instance the door chimes would sometimes chime very slow with a delay, but I have never had a delay when hitting the key, although its rare that it gets below 0*F here for an extended period of time

Good to see we can put our heads together on this as I experienced the same symptoms...but I may have resistor problem that ONLY occurs on subzero days or nights especially :rant:
1- Get in car
2- turn the key to ON
3- watch instrument panel lights up like a Xmas tree as the computer does a basic systems check. Chime is lagging as well. Annual weird ritual.
4- turn the key to START...nothing. Like Mark42 said pinpointing to starter warmup. Credit to him for that idea :tup:
5- Fidget
6- Turn to START, engine spins for 5 seconds and dies as my SECURITY light stays on. 5 minute wait in a cold hard shell.
7- I decide to use my spare key which is not often used much but it was a lifesaver for me last winter. It started right up!

So do I acquire another key? ( $27 at stealership )
Replace the Ignition Switch? ( not in the mood to now )
Perform a VATS resistor splice? ( Pros & Cons needed )

Checking my Die Hard battery connections later as its way cold out. It could be a weak battery but my alternator has been slightly fluctuating. Garage duty time for me now.