Need Help.....(kind of long)

In case some one notices, the same post is on the ORG also, just trying to get more exposure. I really need help with this one…….


I hope you guys can help me, it's becoming really annoying and it's too cold outside to get stranded one of these times....

I have a 5spd '97 SE with 100,000 miles on it....

My car stopped starting well when it's been off too long in the cold. Like over 8 hours in temps below 35. When its warmer outside or it hasn't been off for too long, there is no problems at all (starts from half the turn).

When the key is turned I hear the starter wind up, but it seems not to catch the crankshaft (or whatever needs to turn to crank the engine over). It seems like it gets closer and closer with each successive attempt. After about 5-10 attempts it starts up, and after that there is no problems (unless I stall it right away). Two days ago my CEL went on during one of these start ups.

One more thing, I noticed that if I have a key in ON position for a minute or so before starting the car, the start up is not as painful

Could this be connected to clutch in any way? I noticed a month ago while launching from the stop light that in the first gear passed 400 RPMs the clutch slips pretty badly, but it doesn't happen all the time.

Thanks in advance for the help...

I saw your post on the dot org and I am under the impression that you did check the ECU? If not, try that. How new are your spark plugs?

I agree with Pick, check your sparkplugs, and your air filter, your clutch problem is different, and is probably slipping because it might be worn out.

I would also check the gas filter, as when the temp gets colder, the gas is more dense (less liquid), and if you have a clogged filter, it would take more time to have the appropriate fuel pressure.

I could say that turning the key on some time before starting the engine, gives time to the electric fuel pump to get the needed pressure on the injectors

I will replace a fuel filter, it's at least 40,000 mi old.

As far as the plugs they are new.

I went to AutoZone yesterday to check on the code, and they didn't find any.......their reader showed none, so I am not sure what that's all about.

I read closely again your post, and I understand that the starter winds free, without moving the engine on your first try, and until the third or fourth, the starter engages and starts moving the engine, is this right?, if this is the case, the starter is an electric motor that engages with the engine by a gear that is placed by an electromagnet, I think this piece is called bendix, I think the problem is that when this piece gets really cold it might get stuck so after several tries with the starter, it heats a little and starts working or the vibrations help to get it unstuck. so you should have your starter checked to see if the bendix is working

thanks every one, the last post also kind of goes along with what guys at the ORG have said..........so I'll replace the fuel filter and regrease the starter this weekend to see if that makes a diference.

thanks again

Originally posted by RALMADA
I think this piece is called bendix, I think the problem is that when this piece gets really cold it might get stuck so after several tries with the starter, it heats a little and starts working or the vibrations help to get it unstuck. so you should have your starter checked to see if the bendix is working
BINGO! Check out www.motorvate.ca for very clear instructions on how to regrease your starter.

You can get ECU codes from http://vbxmaxmia.8m.com/ECU.html