What are the reasons for difficulty in starting a cold engine?
2 Answers
Reasons for difficulty in starting a cold engine: 1. Insufficient battery power, damaged starter, or faults in the starter circuit; 2. Intake pipe leakage, poor sealing between the piston and cylinder, or improper valve closure; 3. Excessive carbon buildup on the intake valve and intake pipe; 4. Weak signal from the speed sensor or incorrect water temperature signal; 5. Excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs or incorrect gap, leaking high-voltage wires, or damaged ignition coils; 6. Insufficient pressure, fuel injector leakage, or blockage. Precautions for difficulty in starting a cold engine: 1. In winter, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car is significant, and fog on the car windows can cause driving difficulties. Ensure the windows are cleaned before driving; 2. Prevent ice formation. If ice forms, turn on the car's heater and use a dedicated ice scraper to slowly remove the ice in the same direction along the ice edges.
I experienced the same issue last winter when the engine was particularly hard to start in the morning. There could be several reasons, the most common being a weak battery, especially for older batteries over three years old, as their discharge capacity drops significantly in cold temperatures. Oil viscosity also plays a role – 5W-30 oil used in summer may become too thick in sub-zero conditions, hindering piston movement. The fuel system is worth checking too; insufficient fuel pump pressure or slightly clogged injectors can lead to an inadequate air-fuel mixture. If spark plugs haven’t been replaced in two or three years, excessive electrode gap may result in insufficient ignition energy. Another often-overlooked factor is carbon buildup; deposits on the throttle body and intake manifold can absorb some fuel during cold starts. Lastly, if the alternator isn’t generating enough power, the voltage won’t rise properly after starting. It’s advisable to first test the battery voltage before inspecting other components.
