98 Cavalier cannot start cold

[canadaga]

My 98 Cavalier (4cyl) has problems starting when it is cold. It's -15C outside and the car won't start if it sits overnight. The starter cranks the engine but it just won't catch. If I pump the gas while the car is cranking, I can eventually get it going. Weird! Please help!

[Classicrocjunkie]

Originally Posted by canadaga

My 98 Cavalier (4cyl) has problems starting when it is cold. It's -15C outside and the car won't start if it sits overnight. The starter cranks the engine but it just won't catch. If I pump the gas while the car is cranking, I can eventually get it going. Weird! Please help!

Ever let your gas tank get below 1/4 tank a lot? Get some gas water remover. I bet you have some condensation/water in your fuel lines cause them to freeze over. Typical winter issue.

[canadaga]

Ok, I'll give that a try. The fuel rarely gets below 1/4 tank before I fill it up. Hopefully it is that simple...

[J-Ri]

Could be the coil packs, fuel injectors not spraying finely enough, or you could just need a tune up. If I were you, I'd just install a magnetic block heater... $35, the car's almost guaranteed to start, and it's kindda-sortta warm right away.

[Scrapper]

sounds like a fuel pump because when your triying to start it the starter takes away alot of juice from the fuel pump. can you hear fuel pump go zip when you just turn the key to on and not start it? if you don't hear tha zip i would have fuel pump tested if you don't hear the zip until it go's to engine.

good luck.....