cold start problems. help!

[kclady36]

I have a 2001 plymouth neon. My car makes a low rapid clicking or a ticking sound for a few seconds before the car starts. It starts fine so far just that thefew seconds as i turn the key it makes that sound. it only happens in very cold weather. Today was the first time it happened and it was the first real cold day (25 degrees). When the car is warmed up the car has no starting problems what so ever also when the temperture is aboue freezing I have no problems. I am thinking its the battery. What is you opinion(s)? I suspect my car is still running on a seven year old battery. I do not remember ever getting it replaced. I think i may have replaced it sept. 2003 but not quite sure.

[denisond3]

Since the battery is about the easiest thing to fix, and you arent sure if it is 4 years old or even older, a new battery would be a good idea.
However it could also be a bad connection; between the battery posts and the terminals on them, or a corroded battery cable or ground connection, or the alternator not charging the battery properly.
A good battery that is fully charged should show about 12.6 volts when it has been sitting for a while - half an hour since being used for example. Once the car is running the voltage measured at the battery should be higher - between 13.3 and 14.5, depending on how long the engine has been running, and how cold the weather. Like most cars, the Neons should put more current into re-charging the battery in cold weather, since batteries are less efficient when it is cold; both in putting out the current to start the car, and in accepting the recharging.

[kclady36]

it looks like the battery. I put in a new one and the problema went away. but now another issue arised so i will post a question on that. ughhhh