Your car faces numerous problems with the changing weather. Some of which are car won’t start when cold but starts when warm.
If you too are facing this issue or have ever faced it, you are at the right place. Here you will come to know about four most common reasons why a car stops working in the cold. So, let’s begin!
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Car Won’t Start When Cold But Starts When Warm
There could be numerous reasons for a car not starting at low temperature. But, the possibility of these four reasons is high. What are these four reasons, let’s find out now!
1. Using the wrong oil
Pouring the wrong oil in your car is like feeding the wrong food to a kid. Whether your car is old or new, it’s necessary to check the car’s manual for what is the right oil for your vehicle.
Some cars demand thicker oil approximately 10 to 30 W and some may demand thinner oil approximately 5 to 20 W. However, the thin oil is ideal for winters as the engine can ignite it easily.
On the other hand, thicker oil is worst for winters as the molecules start clustering when degrees drop below zero.
So, avoid using thicker oil in winters or as described in the manual of your car because it could be the reason why the car won’t start when cold but start when warm.
SEE MORE:
- 5w30 or 5w40 which one to choose for your car?
- Where can you buy the affordable oil for your vehicle?
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Car won’t start when cold but start when there are warm problems. (Photo: Autoproyecto) 2. Bad battery
When your car is ideal, it can result in the chemical in the battery to hold back. This eventually causes the battery to stop working permanently or temporarily. Moreover, replacing the battery after every three years is preferable.
You might find it quite expensive; it’s the only way to drive safe in the winters. If you have just replaced your battery and still, the car isn’t starting, contact the experts or use some DIY maintenance tips.
To fix the battery temporarily, you can use a jumper set cable or a trickle charger for the car. So, make sure that you buy a new battery in a regular manner to avoid any big issue.
3. Water in the fuel line
Everyone knows that nothing could be worse than having water in the fuel line. But, it’s not the case in winters. It’s natural to get water in the fuel lines and gasoline not reaching to the engine can stop the entire functioning.
Besides, the fuel lines freeze and when condensed with the change in temperature, only water is left everywhere. Fuel with low alcohol or using the premium fuel is the only solution to stop the fuel lines from freezing.
Moreover, on normal days, water could be filled in fuel lines while car washing or something else. Carelessness toward such a situation can even lead to the replacement of an entire fuel line.
So, consult the capable mechanic in your area whenever you are in such a situation.
4. Fault in Carburetor
The older cars face this problem as there is a tool called carburetor, which collaborates gasoline and oxygen together to achieve external combustion. Dirt or malfunctioning in the carburetor during traveling is the reason behind a car not working.
If you know you are using the right oil, the battery is working fine, and there is no water in the fuel line, check for the carburetor. For help, contact the nearby mechanic as well.
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Solution to the car won’t start when cold but start when it’s a warm problem. (Photo: Getty Images) 5. Faulty Engine Sensors
When starting your engine in cold weather, use a higher fuel combination. A faulty coolant temperature sensor or a faulty air intake temperature sensor might result in a lean air/fuel combination, making it difficult to start the engine in cold weather.
If your examine Engine light is illuminated, have your technician examine the computer system for codes, or get a code reader/scan tool and do it yourself.
Moreover, you can opt for basic DIY auto maintenance lowers repair costs, prevents breakdowns, and extends the life of your vehicle.
FAQs on Car Won’t Start When Cold But Starts When Warm
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What causes a sluggish start in the morning?
A defective engine coolant temperature switch (sensor), a malfunctioning idle air control (IAC) valve, vacuum and EGR leaks, insufficient fuel supply or pressure (clogged fuel filter, injectors), and tainted or old gasoline are some of the causes of difficulty starting.
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Why does it take so long for my car to warm up?
A lack of regular car maintenance is frequently cited for troubles with a cold start. Unchecked worn spark plugs and plug wires, clogged filters, and corroded battery connections make it difficult for the engine to start.
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When a car warms up and then fails to start?
This issue is quite similar to vapor lock. A leaky fuel pressure regulator (FPR) or fuel injector can also cause hard warm starts.
A gasoline pressure dampener can sometimes induce the same symptoms. A worn FPR or fuel injector may first yield way to pressure in the fuel line and then cease leaking.
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Why is starting a car engine simpler on a warm day?
The internal resistance of a car battery lowers when the temperature rises (for example, on a hot day). As a result, the battery can produce a big current, making it easier to start the automobile engine.
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Why do cold starts use extra fuel?
Even after the gasoline is sufficiently evaporated, some of it condenses on the cool elements of the engine before it can be burnt. The engine requires additional fuel to start in order to get a combustible air-fuel combination despite vapor and condensation issues.
Check out this video from Smart Drive Test to learn more about how to start your vehicle in cold weather and clean it off!
So, this is why your car won’t start when cold but starts when warm. Apart from the above reasons, there might be other situations when your car might not respond. So, take it for a repair once every three months.
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I wish myself good luck