Why is it difficult to start your car when it is cold?

Answer 1

If the car cranks but will not start except in a cold only start situation (consistent), the condition could be caused by a failure in the fuel injection system, most FI equipped cars have a separate cold start circuit allowing the engine to start using the fuel supplied during this circuits operation which can last between 1.5 through 5 minuets depending upon make model and temperature both engine and ambient. This type of failure could be caused by the ECM (electronic control module) or a bad temp sensor, it could not be caused by a clogged fuel filter because this type of system generally shares the same supply system (i.e.: fuel pump, filters and lines.)

If the car cranks and starts cold and then after driving and stopping the engine will not crank (intermittent or constant) you may have a heat soak condition which will require the replacement of the starter / solenoid assembly. This is generally cause by armature windings and the magnets that surround the binding due to bearing ware and heat and is not caused by the solenoid.

Solenoid replacement tip - Most cars after 1970 except for the erroneous Ford or Chrysler product do not have a separate solenoid - though in most cases the separate service of a solenoid is possible by the time you remove a starter that has the same or more run time as the solenoid why would you?

Generally a battery failure becomes more evident during a cold start so the likelihood of the condition being caused by a battery is slim.

More Information:

Check the solenoid and the starter. The battery charges itself through the alternator while you're driving. If the battery were the culprit you wouldn't be able to start the car no matter how long you waited until you had it jump started. If the radio, headlights, windshield wipers etc work but the engine doesn't even try to turn over (silence when you turn the key) it's probably the starter or solenoid. the solenoid uses low current from the ignition switch (keys) to complete a higher amperage circuit for the starter. If it isn't the starter or solenoid check for loose or burned wires from the battery to the starter, and check all fuses and fuesable links in the starting system. A good wiring diagram can be found in the proper chiltens repair manual for your vehicle.

Answer 2

Since you don't know what kind of car you have, the year or the engine size, I'l throw an idea-Coolant temperature sensor for the ecm. This reads the temperature of the engine and tells the computer parameters for the fuel air mixture. If the ecm gets bad info it may richen or lean out the fuel to the extent that it affects combustion.

Answer 3

Turn the key to the ON position, pump the gas pedal 4 times, start the car.

If it doesnt start:

Turn the key to the OFF position, turn to the ON position and wait until the warning lights go off, turn to the OFF position, turn to the ON position and wait until the warning lights go off, turn to the OFF position, turn to the ON position and pump the gas pedal 5 times, start the car. If this doesnt work, then try again.

Remember! Do not crank for more than 15 seconds at one time, it will damage the starter.

(Note: the key turning on and off are to prime the engine to start and should be done to get this to work.)

If it doesnt start, you might want to get your car serviced.

Answer 4

What is the car? and how old is it?

In most cases because as the car sits the fuel in the fuel line above the engine boils into a vapor. This causes a vapor bubble in the fuel line which prevents the injectors from operating properly. The condition is called vapor lock.

Answer 5

Sounds like an electrical problem. It could be bad contact on the battery terminals because of acid or a loose cable. You might try wiggling the cables with the ignition on, but be sure you are insulated from shock if you do this. If this does not work, the faulty contact is probably somewhere else. Best to take it to a mechanic.

Answer 6

Have your battery tested. It could have a bad cell in it or not enough cold cranking amps. This is a simple fix. Batteries usually start about $40+. That is what I would do.

Answer 7

The cold weather makes it harder for the battery to provide amperage to start the car.

Answer 8

in most cases a bad crank sensor or cam sensor

Answer 9

well sometimes it has nothing to do with heat your battery just might be wearing down