won't start in cold weather

geezfoolsgeezfools Wagonist
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
Alright, high miles 91 RT. Been running great all year long. Needs an engine swap as I'm about 500 miles from hitting 260K and it's burning a little oil. Got into 20's the last two nights and won't start in the morning. Hit the key and dash lights up, main relay switches and it clicks under the dash, but the starter doesn't budge, nothing. Yesterday, I had my girlfriend try and start the car mid-day and it started right up. My initial thought was the clutch switch, but being it's starting up in the warmer temps, maybe not. I'm kind of puzzled, so throwing it out there for any suggestions or advice. I haven't had time to break out the multimeter and test at the starter and that clutch switch, but it's on my list of things to check. Any other obvious ideas? I also thought it might be coolant freezing, but when I checked, it was full and looked pretty green.

Thanks guys!

Comments

  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    First things first, crimp the female connector at the starter solenoid a bit- just to be sure it's tight. While you're at it, check all of your battery and starter connections. You have several dissimilar metals there expanding and contracting at different rates. If you have any of those universal lead battery terminals eye them very critically.
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    next time it doesn't start, have someone bash the starter with something. If it fires up, your solenoid on the starter is sticking. Time to start saving for a new one or get one from a wrecker.
  • geezfoolsgeezfools Wagonist
    the ole broom trick did the job this morning. I have a parts car with a starter on it, so I'll pull that off, clean it up and swap them out and see how that does.

    I always have the motorbike as a backup, but that's no fun when it's 30 degrees out. Thanks for the help guys.
  • seoiot123seoiot123 Band Wagon
    same problem with me ..in cold days my car does not start eairly
  • AbideAbide Council Member
    i personally like to click on my lights and stereo for a few second to get some voltage flowing through the battery and warm it up a little so it puts out some amps. doesnt sound like you're issue at all though.
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    Abide wrote: »
    i personally like to click on my lights and stereo for a few second to get some voltage flowing through the battery and warm it up a little so it puts out some amps. doesnt sound like you're issue at all though.

    Turning the key to so the engine light comes on, but not fires up, also primes the fuel pump. Which IMO, is more important. I try to do it even in the summer months.


    When it doubt, bash something. Like the fuel relay. if your car is cranking but not firing, bash the fuel relay just above the hood release. 9/10 it fires up.
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