Weird cold start issue

[cruisn76]

Car:

92 5SFE spd 270k

This has been a on going issue and is starting to cause problems.

During the warm summer/fall weather, my car would start but with a small problem. Sometimes it turns over on the first try, but sometimes it takes up to 3 turns before it starts. I noticed this issue after my mechanic replaced the clutch (don't know if info helps).

Now that the weather is colder, I have even more trouble starting the car. Yesterday the weather in Toronto was -20 with windchill (it can get as cold as -40 w/windchill) and I had a really difficult time getting it to turn over. I must have turned the key 3 times, stopped for a minute and tried another 3 times, stopped for a minute, and then another 3 times at which point it started.

What is the problem? Bad starter contacts? Bad clutch engagement? The volt meter shows 12.2v before load (interstate battery maybe 2 yrs old)

At these temps everything in the car is frozen (not literally) ie. manual shifter is very stiff, clutch pedal is slow to retract etc... Want some community opinion before I start paying my guy to rip things apart to find the problem.


Help? Anyone?

Thanks in advance!

[new echo owner]

Have you ever had the starter replaced? It is very possible the solenoid in the starter is hanging up when cold. As far as the clutch engagement, it wouldn't have affect the starting of the engine except the clutch start switch.

If your starter has some miles on it, that would be a good place to start, make sure all the battery connections are clean and tight too.

N.E.O.

[Al96]

I had a similar issue in my suzuki swift long time back. It was solved by a road side mechanic who put an additional thick cable from some point (don't remember sorry) all the way to the starter. I hope it helps.

[Toxygene]

I'm interested to see what you find out. My in-laws are having the same problem with their Camry. Only they have an automatic and on cold days the car will half start and then putter out and die right away. They said they have to either put in gear quickly or rev it a little to keep it going. That doesn't always work either.

The annoying thing for them is it only happens on cold mornings. Once they've driven it for the day, it seems to be fine afterwards.

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Have you ever had the starter replaced? It is very possible the solenoid in the starter is hanging up when cold. As far as the clutch engagement, it wouldn't have affect the starting of the engine except the clutch start switch.

If your starter has some miles on it, that would be a good place to start, make sure all the battery connections are clean and tight too.

N.E.O.

The starter has never been replaced. Maybe that is the problem. What about coils? Does this affect anything?

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by Toxygene

I'm interested to see what you find out. My in-laws are having the same problem with their Camry. Only they have an automatic and on cold days the car will half start and then putter out and die right away. They said they have to either put in gear quickly or rev it a little to keep it going. That doesn't always work either.

The annoying thing for them is it only happens on cold mornings. Once they've driven it for the day, it seems to be fine afterwards.

See my car is fine once it starts and never dies. It is the initial turn of the key that I am having problems with.

I think your in-laws car needs a through cleaning of the throttle body and Seafoaming.

[new echo owner]

Originally Posted by cruisn76

The starter has never been replaced. Maybe that is the problem. What about coils? Does this affect anything?

No, the coils have more to do with how long it takes for the engine to start then the operation of the starter.

N.E.O.

[barthmonster]

In South Dakota, block heater's that go in the freezeplug on the block are very popular...

[Shelleybeanz]

What is the cold crank amperage of your battery? It could be that simple.

[Shelleybeanz]

Toxygene--

We're having this same discussion except with my car!. I'll be sure to let you know what I have to do to fix mine since it sounds so similar!

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by Shelleybeanz

What is the cold crank amperage of your battery? It could be that simple.

My Interstate battery is a direct replacement from the book. Its not a premium version of the Toyota battery but just standard.

btw my battery checked out fine.

Today my car started on the first turn and it was -15 degrees. Car had been sitting outside for 7 hours while I was writing exams

[toyomoho]

If this happened after the clutch work, is the clutch switch OK. Could it be slightly out of adjustment.

[Toxygene]

Originally Posted by Shelleybeanz

Toxygene--

We're having this same discussion except with my car!. I'll be sure to let you know what I have to do to fix mine since it sounds so similar!

Oh hey, I appreciate that. I'll check out your thread! They've taken theirs to a pretty reputable mechanic a few times now and they can't seem to track it down.

[new echo owner]

Originally Posted by cruisn76

Today my car started on the first turn and it was -15 degrees. Car had been sitting outside for 7 hours while I was writing exams

Have you had a chance to check the battery cables and connections, both at the battery and the starter?

The starter needed to come off when the clutch was replaced, so that may be an area to look at.

N.E.O.

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Have you had a chance to check the battery cables and connections, both at the battery and the starter?

The starter needed to come off when the clutch was replaced, so that may be an area to look at.

N.E.O.

Didin't know the starter needed to come off when replacing the Clutch. I will ask the mechanic to check that for sure.

Thanks N.E.O