Car will not start in cold weather, Why?

[aaron]

I have a 99 Explorer with about 50,000 miles on it. About a month ago it dipped into the 20s and would not start. It warmed up and began to run fine again. During that time I had the oil changed and refueled the vehichle. Now the tempeture has dropped into the 20s again and it will not start.

The battery is cranking, but it seems slower than normal. Also I tried holding the pedal to the floor starting it and it did not work in the 20s, however it did work once when it was in the upper 30s.

It is supposed to warm up tomorrow so I am hoping it will start again and I can get it to the dealer, since I have the extended warrenty. Before I take it in and potentially waste my money, does anyone here have any ideas?

Also I have heard dealers can charge up to $100 to hook it up to a computer. Do other places hook cars to the computer at cheaper prices?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Blee1099]

I have a 99 Explorer with about 50,000 miles on it. About a month ago it dipped into the 20s and would not start. It warmed up and began to run fine again. During that time I had the oil changed and refueled the vehichle. Now the tempeture has dropped into the 20s again and it will not start.

The battery is cranking, but it seems slower than normal. Also I tried holding the pedal to the floor starting it and it did not work in the 20s, however it did work once when it was in the upper 30s.

It is supposed to warm up tomorrow so I am hoping it will start again and I can get it to the dealer, since I have the extended warrenty. Before I take it in and potentially waste my money, does anyone here have any ideas?

Also I have heard dealers can charge up to $100 to hook it up to a computer. Do other places hook cars to the computer at cheaper prices?

Thanks,
Aaron

Aaron, Welcome to the site. Your battery could be weak. Alot of the Explorers have fuel pumps that won't prime enough when its cold. I suggest turning the key to ACC and let the fuel pump prime and then turn it off, and then trying starting it. You might want to consider replacing the fuel filter. If your running something other than 5w30 or 10w30, your oil may be too thick but I highly doubt it.

 

[TPLYNCH]

I'd start with the battery, especially if it is the original. It's 6 yrs old. Mine went south after about 5 yrs. Had same symptoms. Progressively harder to start as the weather got colder.

 

[aaron]

It has the original battery and I have been pleasently surprised it has lasted this long. I will also try turning the key to the ACC first to prime the fuel pump. I did not know that just turning the battery on would do anything but let you listen to the radio and roll up the windows.

 

[CobraSix]

aaron,

I think it's your battery as well. May want to have your alternator tested as well to make sure the voltage regulator isn't bad. it may not be putting out enough juice.

For the priming, I've always let my prime on cold weather. Never had an issue with starting.

Slade

 

[Eneurb]

The fuel pump will not run with the key in the accessory position. It will only run in the on position. I would look into the battery, or atleast have it load tested.

 

[fygy5]

Eneurb is right the fuel pump will not cycle unless the key is in the on position. I have no dout that the battery is were the trouble is. About 85% of all are cold weather starting problems here at the shop are battery problems.
Plus if slow cold engine starting is a concern of yours I would recomend swiching to synthetic oil for the cold months because it will not get thick in the cold like oil does.

 

[aaron]

It warmed up this weekend and I took it to Autozone and the battery failed their test. I replaced the battery. I think the alternator, because I have an alternator gauge and the needle is in the middle. I think that is where the needle has always been, but I am not positive(no pun intended)