Q: Trouble starting when cold or damp outside.
Car will not start when the temperature is cold outside or it is damp.
Recommended Services
| Battery is dead Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
| Battery Replacement | $247.05 - $377.49 | Get a Quote |
This sounds like a possible battery problem. Batteries do not perform as well in colder temperatures. Batteries have a rating for starting power measured in cold cranking amps (CCA). I would recommend having your battery load tested by a YourMechanic technician to ensure the battery is producing enough CCAs to start the vehicle. Most likely the battery is not producing enough amperage to crank the starter. If the battery tests bad, have it replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent starting issues in the warmer months. If the battery is not producing enough amps to start the vehicle in the cold temperatures, its barely able to start in the warmer weather and would therefore be risky to continue driving with.
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
What others are asking
How does the tailgate work?
The tailgate on the vehicle works much like a door does. The key can lock it and unlock it, and lifting the handle will allow it to open. Tip The tailgate is hinged at the bottom, so when it opens...
Car idling high
The problem you are experiencing may be the vacuum modulator leaking in the transmission. The vacuum leak will cause the engine to idle high and the transmission will not shift correctly. The vehicle should be tested for any problems with...
Dashboard blacks out without warning
That sounds pretty scary. The problem you are experiencing isn't very common, but I'd try to see if there are technical service bulletins (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-tsb-to-diagnose-and-repair-a-car-by-valerie-johnston) regarding the issue and the experts at Cadillac are trying to find a solution. The problem...
Does not always work. Can play with ignition and sometimes will work.
If your ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement) is malfunctioning, I would recommend having it tested and replaced if necessary. It is important to have this job performed professionally to avoid any potential mistakes. Sometimes ignition switches have many small pieces called tumblers...
Car dies when the engine is cold but works fine after the car warms up
Hello. Your issue is very likely the idle air control valve, or related components. After continuous use for years, these valves become clogged with carbon and other build-up. The valve can be cleaned. You can use a carburetor cleaner, or...
Burnt yellow and brown wires at blower motor resistor, is this indicator of bad resistor or bad motor? 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
Hi there - most likely, the problem is the blower motor resistor pack (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/heater-does-not-work-by-todd-d). A quick way to test this is if the blower fan still works in the "Max" position. If it does, that pretty-much rules out the motor...
I replaced my clutch and bleed my hydraulic clutch master cylinder. But when I put the truck in 2H and try to shift, I won't shift.
Hi there. There seems to be an issue with the transfer case on your vehicle. The transfer case may have a bent fork or the shifter synchronizer has broken teeth. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from...
Overfilled the engine with oil.
If you overfilled the engine with oil by two quarts it would be damaging to the engine to run it for any amount of time. The crankshaft will dip into the engine oil and make is get aerated. This can...
My truck wont move at all.
Hi there. Set the parking brake and set a wheel chock in front and behind the front wheels. Then put the transmission in drive and look under the vehicle to see if the rear driveshaft is turning. If the driveshaft...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Mazda Tribute
2011 2011 marked the final year of production for the Mazda Tribute, a compact SUV that shared a platform with certain Ford models. The Tribute managed to combine relative affordability with decent performance and a modicum of comfort while driving...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
How to Unlock a Steering Wheel
When your steering wheel (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/3-essential-things-to-know-about-steering-wheels-and-covers) locks it is usually at the worst time. The good news is that it is an easy fix....
Browse other content
Services
Estimates