Slow to start in the cold

[HFXprotege5]

My P5 has been a B!tch to start on cold mornings...any one else here experience the same? Think of dying battery but it's not dead. Takes 5-8 seconds to start. It is not the battery for sure (tested and carries the proper voltage over a 48 hour period in the cold), but it turns over very, very slowly when cold. I use 5w30 for oil, so it's know its not the oil viscosity.

Could it be the remote starter? Are any of you having the same problem? I'm thinking a failing starter relay or solenoid, but want your opinions before I begin to diagnose the problems in sub 0 temperatures. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[jeg0024]

You probably just need a block heater, I see your in Nova Scotia, how cold are we talking here?

 

[Sveivo]

Mine is that way sometimes as well. At about 0*F, it cranks slow. I think it is the battery. Mine is beginning to puke--probably due for a replacement.

 

[jeg0024]

If you guys are still running the stock battery it may well be the battery as well. They only last about 4 years max.

 

[Sveivo]

Haha, mine's a veteran.

 

[chaosProtege]

could be corrosion on the cable ends or a loose terminal. that would explain the "good" battery diagnosis...

 

[Sveivo]

Good call. My corrosion is pretty bad, even though I remember cleaning it somewhat recently. (dunno)

 

[Kansei]

It is almost assuredly the battery. Have you done the regular electrolyte level maintenance on the battery? Yeah, bet you didn't know you had to do maintenance on the stock battery hahah

Yes, it has a proper voltage, but it can't get the juice out (current). You need a battery with decent cold cranking amps, different batteries perform differently in low temperatures. I bought my Optima red top for just that reason, but you can easily get away with spending half as much. Just go to an auto parts store and compare the various grades of batteries they sell, they should have the "CCA" rating on the label.

 

[thrasher]

I'm in Ontario, it's been -15 for over 3 weeks now. Mine doesn't like to start in the morning either. That little battery just doesn't have enough cold-cranking amps, that's all.

 

[Jayman555]

I live in Ontario in the last three weeks i had to jump start it twice in the morning, the car is cranking very very slowly but won't start, i have charged the battery up but it still isn't the same, so i am thinking i need a battery.

J

 

[osu1steve]

It's the battery, I'll bet. I guess I'm not properly calibrated to how well a stock battery should last. I had a '94 miata, and the stock battery lasted for 10 years! And was still working fine when I traded the car in for my MSP. After 3 years, the MSP battery was no longer good - I was disappointed in that. I thought it might have been temperature related only but just put in a Die Hard gold yesterday, and even when the engine is already warmed up, it cranks quicker and stronger than on the stock battery.

 

[Kansei]

If any of you guys really feel like looking into it, you can do somethign with the battery fluids to rejuvenate it. It isn't a maintenance free battery, you have to maintain the electrolyte levels in it.

 

[Sveivo]

If any of you guys really feel like looking into it, you can do somethign with the battery fluids to rejuvenate it. It isn't a maintenance free battery, you have to maintain the electrolyte levels in it.

How would I maintain the battery. Top it off with distilled water?

 

[TheMAN]

yes

 

[HFXprotege5]

Thanks for all your input. This occurs when the temp is below 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) I can assure you it is not the battery. Here's what I've done so far. It is the OEM battery and yes, it has been maintained yearly. I swapped it with a good battery from my Pathfinder, the same result.

I removed the remote starter box, same result.

All negative terminals and cables are clean with no corrosion.

I'm starting to think that #1) it's normal, #2) its the starter (or starter relay). I'll let you know what I find...

 

[fonzinator]

I replaced my OEM battery a few weeks ago. I'm convinced the OEM battery doesn't have the CCAs to handle really cold weather. Just ditch it.

Consumer Reports gives its battery best buys to Autozone's Duralast Gold and Wal-Mart's Everstart. I put a Duralast Gold in my P5; starts much quicker and harder now. Cost me $70 US.

Warning: The P5's strut bar blocks the battery from overhead. If you remove the entire airfilter assembly in front of the battery (just a few 10mm bolts), you can slide the old one out and the new one in. Maybe others have a better way?

 

[Kansei]

Yeah, just rip the strut tower brace off.. 4 17mm bolts I think?

 

[Mr.Ames]

Yeah, just rip the strut tower brace off.. 4 17mm bolts I think?

14mm
i had to replace my yellowtop a few days ago. it was working fine when i pulled into the parking lot but five minutes later when i tried to leave it was like the battery was completely dead (boom08)

 

[Purrfectangel]

I'm in Freddy and mines the same way..clutch gets groggy too. I'm getting a block heater for next winter.

 

[Kansei]

I'm in Freddy and mines the same way..clutch gets groggy too. I'm getting a block heater for next winter.

Tis a very nice and useful accessory, but the install will make you wish you weren't alive anymore. If you ever have to take your intake manifold off for some other reason it makes the install a piece of cake. I highly doubt you can actually access the areas needed to install it otherwise.