Cold Weather Starting Problems?
So you're having a hard time cranking over the motor on that lovable machine you love to hate in the winter. Well, this Super / Tip is for you. The fact is that cold weather is hard on your motor when its 'cranking' over and trying to start. The following info may be helpful.
Starting Motor
Cold weather is especially hard on starters because a drop in temperature causes the oil in the crankcase to thicken. At Superior Tire & Auto Centres, we recommend a lighter viscosity oil for winter driving like 5W-20 or 5W-30 instead of 10W-30 or 10W-40.
Oh Oh, Now What?
At the same time, lower temperatures inhibit fuel vaporization and require more from the ignition system. (This is an excellent reason for replacing the plugs and checking ignition performance before cold weather arrives.) Consequently the starter has to work harder to pump life into a cold motor. Continuous cranking can be damaging to the starter if the starter gets too hot. Motorists should (but usually don't) give the starter a break after 30 seconds or more of relentless cranking if the engine doesn't start. After a minute or so , they succeed in either running down the battery or frying their starter, sending it to an early grave. (Oh, oh, *^%*~#!!)
Battery
In many instances, a cold starting problem will be due to a low battery. Subzero temperatures (Centigrade or Fahrenheit) can reduce a battery's amp output by more than half, so if the battery is undercharged or weak to begin with, cold weather may tax it beyond its ability to provide adequate starting power. The battery cables may also need your attention. Connections must be tight and corrosion-free. It only takes a thin film of oxide between cable clamps and the battery posts to choke off the supply of amps from the battery. Cranking problems can also be caused by undersized battery cables. Some cheap replacement cables have small gauge wire encased in thick insulation. The cables look the same size as the originals, but the smaller wire can't pass as many amps.
Diagnosis: A quick way to diagnose the battery/starter circuit is to switch on the headlights and see what happens when the engine is cranked. If the lights go out, a poor battery cable connection may be strangling the flow of amps. Battery posts, the solenoid connection, starter connections and engine-to-chassis ground cables must be checked for proper contact and tightness.
Solenoid Switch
This is simply an electromagnetic coil that acts as a switch. By turning the key, you send current from the battery to the solenoid, which then activates the starter motor. If this part fails to function, renew your skills of walking.
Sometimes a starter will spin, but won't crank the engine. This is usually an engagement problem (not the matrimonial kind) due to a weak solenoid, defective starter drive or possibly broken teeth on the flywheel. A 'clicking' sound, when an unsuccessful attempt is made to start the engine, usually means the solenoid is engaging but there may not be enough juice to spin the starter. A poor battery cable, solenoid or ground connection, or high resistance in the solenoid or the starter could be the problem.
Strange Noises
Starting problems and noise can both occur if the starter motor itself is loose. Bolts can vibrate loose and fall out, so make sure all the mounting bolts are in place and tight.
The starter has a tough job - to spin the flywheel, a round disc with teeth bolted to the crankshaft of your engine. When it spins, the engine turns over.
Service Calls
You ask .. "Why me - today"? Well, when the temperature is at 25ºC, your battery is 100% efficient. When it gets to - 10ºC, its only 40% efficient and if its not in good condition ..... well, a service call is definitely in order. If you are using booster cables, connect them properly (+ to +, - to -) and don't overboost. A booster that's designed for a Mack truck can be a fatal mistake for all those onboard electronics.
Superior Service
Cold weather starting can be the direct result of defective or neglected components such as the starter, battery, wiring, alternator or solenoid. A scheduled appointment at any Superior Tire & Auto Centre will allow a professional mechanic to check out your ignition system - before the cold weather sets in. Simple maintenance may be all that's required, but if a tune-up is really needed, the skills and specialty hi-tech equipment are there ... ready to work for you ... for your driving comfort and convenience.
