Q: Difficult startup with a lot of idling when it's cold

asked by on May 24, 2016

My car has difficulty starting up when it's cold. It has trouble starting at 40 degrees and below. There is a lot of idling when it finally turns on. When the weather is warm, the car has no issues starting and runs great. The crank shaft position sensor is replaced on the car. I also had fuel pump relay and idle control valve changed. The issue persists still. What else can I check? Thank you in advance.

Service Battery/cables $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

One of the main things that can prevent a vehicle from starting in the cold is the battery. Batteries for automobiles are rated by cold cranking amps. This measurement is the amount of amperage the battery can produce at zero degrees Fahrenheit.

If the battery is a few years old, it may not be producing the same amount of amperage that it once did in the cold. I would recommend enlisting the assistance of a qualified mechanic to come and test your battery. If the mechanic determines that your battery is not producing the correct amperage to start the car in the cold, it would be recommended that you replace the battery. Due to the fact that this test is related to the electrical system of the vehicle, it is best that this test is performed by a professional.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Wind noise from under hood
Wind noises that can be heard while driving near the hood area outside the windshield are typically caused by a seal leak in the windshield glue. The glue acts as weather stripping also. The air comes in through the hole...
Car jerks after taking foot off gas
I'm not sure about the "plastic bag noise". The jerking upon deceleration could have something to do with the transmission not downshifting properly; this could be due to internal transmission mechanical problems, or a problem with the electronic transmission controls....
Engine shakes, shuts off 1992 Volvo 740
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1992 Volvo 740. There are many things that can cause a shake like a worn ignition system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-car-ignition-system-works) or broken engine mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement). Being a '92, there is not an OBD-II connector,...
Nut holding stabilizer arm to rear strut won't come off ( it just spins with the bolt ).
Hello. This is where all those DIY skills come into play. This scenario has baffled every car technician at some point in their career, from new to Master Mechanic. What is required is to use whatever is at hand to...
cylinder 2 misfire.
Engine misfires can be caused by many different things, but there are a few suspects that occur more than others. Generally, misfires are caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in cases, a combination of both. Spark related...
I just had my transmission repaired this morning I have no power steering...is this related?
Your transmission does not have anything to do with the power steering system. Either of the two would not have any cause or effect on the other. This suggests your power steering pump may be failing or you have a...
What does the smell of burnt rubber mean on a 2012 Honda CR-V?
Check the drive belt on the engine and see if its still intact. Burnt smells in the car and then the air conditioning stops working means that the belt has burned off (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement). This could be caused by the compressor...
Broken lever to let my backseats down
Hello, thank you for writing in. The plastic lever that you have access to is simply a handle for the mechanism inside that releases the seat. You have to manually release that mechanism with another tool, depending on what you...
Why is my car not accelerating Normal
The metallic noise could arise from a variety of sources; anything from the brakes to the engine. The origin could definitely be pinpointed by a certified mechanic during a vehicle noise diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection). Slow acceleration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-slow-to-accelerate-inspection) has a variety of...

Related articles

How to Buy a Good Quality Fuel Pump
Fuel Fuel is pumped from the gas tank up into the engine, and these handy little devices come in any number of shapes, sizes, and applications imaginable. Each of the three different key types of fuel pumps has a specific...
How Long Does a Low Water Sensor Last?
The The heat that is produced by your engine can be quite harmful if not cooled down. There are a variety of systems in your car that are designed to make sure that the internal temperature of your engine stays...
How to Replace a Low Oil Level Sensor
A low oil light sensor allows you to know when your oil levels are low. A bad sensor won't be able to alert you, causing wear and damage as you drive.