What are the reasons for a push-to-start car not starting when cold?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car with push-to-start may fail to start when cold: 1. The smart key battery is dead, making it difficult for the vehicle's sensor to detect it. When the smart key battery is depleted, its transmission power becomes very low, preventing the car's sensor from detecting it and thus disabling the push-to-start ignition. 2. The gear is not in P (Park) position. 3. The steering wheel is locked. After turning off the engine, if the steering wheel is turned a certain angle from its centered position, it will lock with a 'click' sound. In this locked state, the push-to-start function will not work. 4. Insufficient voltage, dead battery, or battery damage. Failure to start may be due to a drained battery caused by leaving headlights on for an extended period or an expired battery lifespan. 5. The car is out of fuel. If the fuel gauge shows below the red line, the car won't start. 6. Engine starting system malfunction or other related issues.
I've encountered this situation before - pressing the start button on a freezing winter morning but the car just wouldn't start, which was really frustrating. I suspected it was a battery issue because low temperatures can cause battery power to drop sharply, especially if it's already aged or undercharged. The starter motor could also be stuck or excessively worn, making it more prone to failure in cold weather. Additionally, the fuel system components like the fuel pump may fail to pressurize fuel properly in low temperatures, preventing the engine from getting enough fuel. My suggestion is to first check the battery voltage using a simple multimeter - if it's below 12V, it's time for a replacement. If the battery checks out, then inspect whether the starter connections are loose or if there's carbon buildup in the ignition system components like spark plugs. During regular maintenance, using antifreeze additives can help prevent these issues. If all else fails, it's safer to have a professional repair shop diagnose the problem rather than risking causing bigger issues by tinkering yourself.
