Cold Weather Problem, (HUGE)

[valoncan]

Been having this problem for a while now, MY mx3 GS, wont start in the morning. I mean in the cold weather.
Once it starts, whether I jump start it or bring it to a hot garage, it will run perfectly.
I had a new distributor, new ignition cables put in it, new battery, injector lines flushed and cleaned up.
It cranks, it wants to start and then it just doesn;t, it is also not flodded, since three mechanics checked it today. Like when i cranck it, it feels like it is gonna start but it just doesn;t, if i have it pushed just a bit and jump start it, boom it will start right away, and once it starts, I shut it off right away, and try it with the key, it works just fine.

Please help guys, am in a big stress!!!!!

[curtklze]

try turning the key on then off about 3 times befor you crank to try to build up fuel pressure.

it it starts ok after that then its a fuel pressure problem.

Also, I cant remeber which one but, when you are starting the ECU looks for the Crank shaft Posistion to sync up the fuel injection and timming only for starting, but if the Crank sensor is not sending a signal when cold, it may not start, once the car is running it uses the Camshaft sensor (in the disty) to run.

or it may be the other way around. but its somthing to consider, maybe see what you mechanic thinks .tell him to read the shop manuel about theroy and opperation of the sensors to see if Im right.

<small>[ January 27, 2004, 12:48 AM: Message edited by: curtklze ]</small>

[Talon_66]

Wow, it seems everyone in Canada is having car starting problems, I had to leave my car at work today because it got super cold during the day.

[seneca]

lol,
me too at the gf's
lol

[back alley]

my car starts fine in the cold here in edmonton, but i have another problem - my power steering seems to be frozen. the steering is so stiff i can barely make a turn.the worst part is i can't check under the hood because it won't open. i don't know if the cable broke because of the cold or if the hood is just frozen shut.
there is no leak under the car so i assume the power steering fluid is still in there.
any ideas?
i've never had the power steering freeze in any car before.

[valoncan]

I came to work today, and my car ran fine, it started and it stoped, and i got to work @ 1 and now it is 5 o clock, and i went to start it:
first cranck it started and it shut off right away,
second crank did not even start, and then after a little while it started once again, but it shut off.
Now, as i mentioned I've replaced my distributor, this is a brand new distributor, am just wondering could the distributor be the cause??

Please let me know!!!!!!

[RaverChankoMX3]

Hey, I know what the problem is, I just got out of the shop

The reason it won't roll over after cold weather is beacuse the Coolant sensor is fouled out. Also check your o2 sensors too if you have "stumbling" at low RPMS.

But the answer is your Coolant sensor (also check your distributor and sparks).

[valoncan]

what u mean roll over? like u mean crank but not start right?,
and where is that sensor located, cus other than that everything else is good in my car!!
Thank you

[RaverChankoMX3]

Basically my problem was two-fold:

Very cold mornings...after my car had been sitting awhile, it would just "sound like" it was going to start...just roll and roll..but never roll over to idle.

The reason why, was because my o2 sensors were fouled out...giving way too much gas and coating my plugs...dripping with caked gas...had to blow torch it off. That was also the reason why my car stumbling / struggled/ sputtered (take your pick) at low RPMs X > 2000rpms.

The second reason was because the coolant sensor was fouled out as well. The location of the sensor, you'd have to consult with someone else. I'm fairly new with my engine and don't think I could be accurate enough to help.

But I had hat problem before and I changed wires and plugs and my disty to no avail. Once I cleaned off my plugs and fuel pump filter, it started....(but it was also warmer).

But I do believe it's your coolant sensor.

~CHANKO=D

[DJ]

How much was it to replace your o2 sensor?

[valoncan]

hey thanks a lot chonco.
I think that's what it is and am gonna have that replaced as soon as possible.

[Andrew_Pakula]

Originally posted by Talon_66:
Wow, it seems everyone in Canada is having car starting problems, I had to leave my car at work today because it got super cold during the day.

My car is also recently having a weird idle problem when the car is warming up in the morning, check the thread:

http://www.mx-3.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003091

[RaverChankoMX3]

Bosch o2 sensor can be bought for 63.00 USD for a pair.

And my name is CHANKO

[valoncan]

MY not start in the cold weather problem was the distributor. Well, that's what mazda diagnosed, i mean i had to bring the car there no matter what, and they've told me that it is the brand new distributor that i have put in, they said that it's acting up, not neccessarily on the cold weather, but anyways, i had warranty in it, so now it's in the process of getting a new one, and see where we are.

But i thank everyone's reply as in regard to that.