541joseph
New member
If you have spark and it won't start take starter fluid and spray it down a vacuum line. If your maf isn't hooked up your car will start and die or not start at all. Good luck.
Won't start on cold mornings
- Thread starter Bonedale
- Start date
If you have spark and it won't start take starter fluid and spray it down a vacuum line. If your maf isn't hooked up your car will start and die or not start at all. Good luck.
Grenvilleter
New member
As this problem seems to be cold related, you really should try to isolate the failing component while the weather is still cold.
Especially if it's a failed sensor. 15 minutes with a hair dryer possibly could avoid a lot of guess work and wasted money in the future.
Otherwise, you could throw money at it only to find out next cold snap, It won't start again.
Of course, the problem may not be cold related at all and just coincidentally failed at the same time.
Hope you get it sorted out regardless.
Especially if it's a failed sensor. 15 minutes with a hair dryer possibly could avoid a lot of guess work and wasted money in the future.
Otherwise, you could throw money at it only to find out next cold snap, It won't start again.
Of course, the problem may not be cold related at all and just coincidentally failed at the same time.
Hope you get it sorted out regardless.
19963.4lsr5
New member
Shooting starter fluid into a big vacuum line fitting on the intake would be a good comprise.
But check for spark first.
If spark then remove the test cap for fuel rail pressure and with a rag over it. See if there is pressure in there.
If pressure is there I'd think about a cam sensor. Or at least remove the timing cover and check your air gap , check connector for crud, and ohm out the sensor.
But check for spark first.
If spark then remove the test cap for fuel rail pressure and with a rag over it. See if there is pressure in there.
If pressure is there I'd think about a cam sensor. Or at least remove the timing cover and check your air gap , check connector for crud, and ohm out the sensor.
update
I got frustrated trying to diagnose the problem, so I dropped it off at the mechanic for about a week. It started every morning (never got below about 20 at night). It took it home, it didn't start the next day. I tried the hair dryer trick. I held it near the "starter" relay for a few minutes. Tried to start it. Nothing. Then I held it over the "HEAD" relay. It started right up. I later found out the HEAD relay is for the headlights. The EFI relay is right next to it, but I already replaced it.
Important info I left out before. When I installed the battery, I crossed the terminals. Stupid I know. I blew the main (alternator fuse) and the dome fuse. I must have blown something else in the fuse box. Any ideas?
I got frustrated trying to diagnose the problem, so I dropped it off at the mechanic for about a week. It started every morning (never got below about 20 at night). It took it home, it didn't start the next day. I tried the hair dryer trick. I held it near the "starter" relay for a few minutes. Tried to start it. Nothing. Then I held it over the "HEAD" relay. It started right up. I later found out the HEAD relay is for the headlights. The EFI relay is right next to it, but I already replaced it.
Important info I left out before. When I installed the battery, I crossed the terminals. Stupid I know. I blew the main (alternator fuse) and the dome fuse. I must have blown something else in the fuse box. Any ideas?
Grenvilleter
New member
Fuses either work or not. They are not cold affected.
However you seem to be in the right area and perhaps thermal contraction on the fuse connections is the problem.
Try re-setting the fuses you replaced and look for any related connections in the area.
Was it cold when it failed after your trip to the garage? Garage parked it inside...you park it out?
Definite confirmation it is cold related? If so, you should be able to isolate it even closer or look at those relay legs/pins.
Possible corrosion within the relay socket?
I think you are close to solving your problem
However you seem to be in the right area and perhaps thermal contraction on the fuse connections is the problem.
Try re-setting the fuses you replaced and look for any related connections in the area.
Was it cold when it failed after your trip to the garage? Garage parked it inside...you park it out?
Definite confirmation it is cold related? If so, you should be able to isolate it even closer or look at those relay legs/pins.
Possible corrosion within the relay socket?
I think you are close to solving your problem
Thanks for your help. It definitely a cold thing. It has never started when it is under 10. I am thinking that it may be the connections. I did take to the fuse box apart t replace the main fuse. I must have messed up something in there. The good news is, at least I have a way to get it started if needed.
19963.4lsr5
New member
When you say it won't start cold is your engine turning over and not firing?
Or is your starter not operating when its cold?
Or is your starter not operating when its cold?
The engine cranks really well, it just doesn't catch. I reproduced the hair dryer trick again (the 4th time I think). It took a lot longer today (6 degrees outside).
When I replaced the main fuse I had to pull apart the fuse box. I must have somehow messed up one of the terminals on the bottom, maybe the EFI terminal.
When I replaced the main fuse I had to pull apart the fuse box. I must have somehow messed up one of the terminals on the bottom, maybe the EFI terminal.
