I have seen all the folks with stalls in the cold weather but I had a different problem this morning. Has been idling rough when cold for a few days now. Similar to what others have experienced. No problem, I just take it easy. This morning however it was 26F and all it would do was crank and sputter and die. Gave up after 12 or so tries. When I came home, after taking something else to work, it started right up. Any ideas? Battery is 6 months old and showed almost 13 V and the charger said it was charged when I checked it this evening. I find it hard to believe that this is normal cold weathewr behaviour. Oil is Mobil 1 10w30. It's in the garage now so that should help but 26F shouldn't cripple it. I fear I have a bigger problem lurking.

Thanks,

John

 

in that kind of temp, i would use thinner oil.

 

I agree that it's a stretch temp wise but it doesn't happen here very often so I figured I could deal with it. Didn't really think it would prevent it from starting at all. Heck it was 80 here 4 days ago.

 

It's not likely that the oil is the problem. Thinner cold viscocity (the first number) would help the engine spin more freely but doesn't address the effect cold has on a battery.

You do keep your foot off the gas pedal, right? I've had the car start and stall once or twice while the ECU is learning the new start strategy due to the low temperatures but another start attempt has always started the car. That said, I had a '94 Prelude VTEC that simply would not start one day. I had it flat-bedded to the dealer who pronounced it flooded. I had pulled the plugs to try to clear the cylinders by cranking the engine and they sure did look wet.

Since you said that the car has been idling roughly in the colder temperatures it may point to other issues. It might be worth the trip to a dealer or mechanic you trust for diagnosis. You could try replacing the plugs or regapping the existing ones first...

 

Didn't touch the gas at all during the attempts. Unless anyone comes up with any obvious ideas I will start the usual checking process.

 

Winter is coming around and I am encountering this problem but my car will start just not on the first try.

I installed a new battery, Optima Yellow Top, a few weeks back. I use 10w/30 Mobile one Syn. I will be going to 5w-30 next oil change. I have not checked the spark plugs but they only have 38k on them. The vehicle is an 01'.

It was fairly cold this morning, not sure of exact temp but the car was covered in frost. I inserted the key and hit the start button. The S cranked, turned over, sputtered and died. Hit the start button again and it started right up. Anyone know what causes this?

 

Yup - the ECU needs to learn the significant difference in temperature. I always let it stall and restart. It learns what's needed over the next start or two and no more problems.

Happens every winter or cold spell...

 

Good to know, thanks