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My mom has a 95 Pontiac Grand AM, this week the weather dropped below 40, and my little 93 Mazda is starting just fine, but her car is not starting.
We both plug our cars in, and the block heaters work fine.
When you turn the key, all lights come on, and the stereo starts which is telling me that it is not the battery. The first time, the car ran and warmed up okay, but the battery light came on. The second time, the car started, then died three minutes later while warming up. We got a boost just in case, and it still died. Now the engine won't even turn over.
My dad is a machanic and usually fixes everything, but he is on your in Afganistan for the military. Can anyone give me an idea of what might be wrong so when I take it to the repair shop I don't get thrown for a loop? I've been ripped off way to much for being a girl in too many car shops.
The battery isn't that old, we replaced it when we bought the car, two or three years ago, can you tell me anymore about the altnernator?The battery isn't that old, we replaced it when we bought the car, two or three years ago, can you tell me anymore about the altnernator?
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Yes...first...how old is the battery?? you have 3 options...the battery is bad, the alternator is bad, or the serpentine belt is bad...most auto parts stores will check your battery for free while it is in the car....otherwise take it out and bring it in to have them check it...
Are the battery cables on both ends actually tight ? If not tighten and clean battery posts with battery cleaner. Then if still doesnt start, try water remover in the gas tank and refill. Water in tank called codensation will render you a no start. Is it moist outside when you do this ? The smallest water droplet in-between the battery cable and the post will short the connection, use die electric grease on terminals before re-applying cables. A damaged key cylinder will also render you a no start. Check all i reccommend and repost question if all fails.
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About the alternator, When we start our car, the reserve battery power starts the car, after the car is running, the "alternator" takes over suppying power now to all the circuits and radio and recharging the battery for next times start. If the battery drains allot, even giving you a reading on the multimeter of less then 10 volts this car will not start however it will turn on the radio and headlights.About the alternator, When we start our car, the reserve battery power starts the car, after the car is running, the "alternator" takes over suppying power now to all the circuits and radio and recharging the battery for next times start. If the battery drains allot, even giving you a reading on the multimeter of less then 10 volts this car will not start however it will turn on the radio and headlights.
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One possible reason for this could be a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. The ECT sensor tells the engine control module (ECM) the temperature of the engine coolant, which is used to adjust the air/fuel mixture for starting. If the ECT sensor is faulty, it may be sending incorrect temperature readings to the ECM, causing the engine to not start in cold weather.
Another possibility could be a weak fuel pump check valve. When the fuel pump check valve fails, it can cause the fuel pressure to drop when the engine is turned off, which can cause hard starting in cold weather .
It's also possible that the battery is weak and not providing enough power to start the engine in cold weather. Cold temperatures can reduce the battery's cranking power, which can make it difficult to start the engine.
I would recommend taking your vehicle to a certified mechanic to diagnose the issue.
I had a problem with my car not wanting to start in the cold. It was then I learned about CCA (cold cranking amps). I lived out west and had never heard of cca. You said your amperage is correct so this is prob not your solution. I purchased a battery with high CCA and my car starts every time now. Last week it was below zero and it dragged a bit when I first tried to start it but then started. The higher your CCA the better. Cost a little bit more but so worth it.
cold weather affecting the engine starting could be the coolant temp sensor, it reads when the coolant is cold and adjust the fuel and air for a cold start.it is kind of like having an old car with the choke stuck open.
my 1990 mazda 323 was doing that for the past couple months every now and again, then after my car sat for about a week to get repaired for another problem, the head gasket completely blew, it knocks very rough and loud, and smoke comes out of my engine.
some advice? get rid of it, head's are not cheap fixes
1st thing to do is change the thermostat. It is either missing, or stuck open (you provide good info). This is why the car is not running at operating temp and why you have little heat. The no blower for settings 1-4 probably means a bad switch.
under the hood in a black box though its not labled it is 2"x2" there should be one for the power windows rite nxt to it and yes they are the same so you can switch them...
Welcome to the forum. Your question has to many variables. Cold weather out here in Cen Cal this time of year is mid 40s. Is the problem when the vehicle is cold as in ovrernight but starts ok when it is warm? Does it crank OK but seem like it's not getting fuel? If you hold the throttle slightly open, does it start OK?
The battery isn't that old, we replaced it when we bought the car, two or three years ago, can you tell me anymore about the altnernator?
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