Why is it difficult to start a van when the engine is cold?
2 Answers
The reasons why a van is difficult to start when the engine is cold are: 1. Air leakage in the intake system; 2. Fuel pressure is too low; 3. The air filter is clogged; 4. Faulty coolant temperature sensor; 5. Faulty air flow meter; 6. Malfunctioning idle control valve or additional air valve; 7. Cold start injector not working; 8. Fuel injector leakage; 9. Incorrect ignition timing; 10. Open circuit in the wiring from the start switch to the computer; 11. Cylinder compression pressure is too low. The solutions to the difficulty in starting a van when the engine is cold are: 1. Check the battery status; 2. Replace with suitable engine oil; 3. Replace spark plugs in time. Methods to warm up the engine are: 1. Drive after 30 seconds to 1 minute of idling; 2. Maintain low-speed driving; 3. Drive normally after the engine temperature rises to the normal operating temperature.
My old van has been running for over eight years, and the main issues causing difficulty in cold starts are a few key areas. The most typical problem is an aging battery—insufficient voltage in winter can prevent it from powering the starter, so try turning off all electrical devices before parking to reduce the load. Using the wrong oil viscosity is also troublesome; 5W-30 is the most versatile, but in northern regions, 0W-grade oil is necessary. If the fuel pump pressure is inadequate and gasoline supply is insufficient, turning the ignition key a couple of extra times to let the fuel pump work for a few seconds can help. Spark plugs are practically useless if not replaced every three years, as the gap widens and weakens ignition. Throttle body carbon buildup is often overlooked, especially in vehicles frequently driven short distances—simply remove the intake pipe and clean it with carburetor cleaner. Regularly using fuel additives to prevent carbon deposits is quite effective.
