Cold engine start up

[NOCM]

I have a 97 Talon TSi. I know that the battery on DSMs is notoriously crappy, but what can I do to make the car easier to start in the winter? I have a new DieHard battery and MSD Plug wires as far as add on equipment.

[PrimeAi]

Its actually the heat of the engine bay that makes our batteries go bad, and the fact that I live in FL heat doesn't help (hot, sticky and just plain nasty). I'm not sure about cold weather starts. I know a lot of places make battery heaters, but that seems kinda silly. I'm interested in this too, even though i'll never have to start my car in snow.

[alanseijas]

How cold are your winters? You could have a remote starter installed that starts your car when the temp reaches a certain point, or at like say 3 hour intervals.

[NOCM]

I'm in Minot, ND. Temps have gotten -80F. I use a block heater, but remote start is tough to do on a manual tranny. I'm wondering if a MSD ignition or something of the sort could help by providing a stronger spark, or something...

[alanseijas]

remote start is tough to do on a manual tranny

No it's not. Just install a relay on the clutch start defeat wires, and don't forget to leave it in neutral with the parking brake on. Your car will drive away by itself otherwise.
As for hotter ignition, I don't know. Anyone else out there know? Maybe you should try it, and let US know!
BTW, DAMN that's cold!

[dr of rx]

Originally posted by alanseijas
remote start is tough to do on a manual tranny

No it's not. Just install a relay on the clutch start defeat wires, and don't forget to leave it in neutral with the parking brake on. Your car will drive away by itself otherwise.
As for hotter ignition, I don't know. Anyone else out there know? Maybe you should try it, and let US know!
BTW, DAMN that's cold!

if its -80 out, i wouldnt pull my e-brake. i've seen e-brakes freeze up....you might get the car started but it wont go anywhere!

[alanseijas]

if its -80 out, i wouldnt pull my e-brake. i've seen e-brakes freeze up....you might get the car started but it wont go anywhere!

Good point! How about wheel chocks.

[afastdsm6969]

my problem my car starts bad when it is not to cold out side i have to sit there 3-5 min to get it to start it seams like my fuel pump is not working at first and i have checked the codes the only thing that is wrong is the o2 sensor any help would be great:mad:

[NOCM]

Here in Minot, it is not uncommon to go to the mall and see cars running while their owners are shopping. You cannot lock your doors because they'll freeze. The first thing they told me when I got here was to never use your parking brake, even in July because you just never know when it may snow. (the only month it hasn't snowed here is August) Stealing a car here in the winter is classified as attempted manslaughter because of the extreme cold. (no joke)

So, because of our weak systems and the intense cold, I'm looking for assistance. Does anybody with aftermarket ignitions notice any improvement in cold weather start ups? Comman sense would dictate that hotter, longer sparks would help atart the car a little easier right???

[CornerHard]

My gosh! :eek: That's nuts! This is North Dakota? I wonder how bad things are in northern Canada...

[AWD Terror]

Winter is cold here sure, but Canadian cars are equipped with two things that help a bit. One is a stronger alternator, and the other is a block heater. :) I also run a DieHard gold battery to help with the cold cranks.

BTW, we're getting our first significant snowfall here today... :mad: :(

[barney]

I'd say you are the poster boy for synthetic oil. If you aren't already using it, changing to synthetic will make more difference than anything else you can try short of parking in a heated garage.