auto mechanic notes! Starting the engine "hot" can be easily done, but this does not mean that the cold start problem is solved. It is also worth considering weather conditions, especially if the engine does not start in winter.
Causes of poor engine start.
To determine the cause, the first thing to do is to contact the service to connect an electronic scanner and make a diagnosis, determine the presence of errors in the electronic unit. It is also worth excluding the presence of low-quality fuel in the car.
Main reasons:
Bad battery condition
Generator charge
Breakdown in the ignition system
Fuel system problems.
Let's consider each problem separately.
Bad battery condition
This fact is widespread in cold weather, because low temperatures lead to accelerated battery discharge.
The battery causes no cold start if it is in one of three states:
Discharged
worn out
Manufacturing defects
If the problem is in the battery, then try to charge the battery overnight, and if it “does not pull” in the morning, then it should be changed to a new one. Factory marriage is quite rare, but it happens. Therefore, it is better to buy components in trusted stores.
Useful advice! Systematically check and timely replace contacts and terminals. In the presence of an oxide film, the starter current may be delayed under the battery fastening nut. The cleaner the contacts and terminals, the more current the battery supplies to the starter and the engine runs better.
Generator charge.
The battery and the generator are interconnected, because the battery receives its charge from the generator. Often, car owners immediately blame the battery for undercharging, although the reason may be that the generator does not charge the battery.
There are several ways to understand that the problem is in the generator:
The battery light on the dashboard is on;
The battery is unstable;
The electrolyte boils away;
Changed the intensity of the headlights;
Extraneous sounds are heard from the generator;
A faulty alternator affects not only the battery, but also other elements of the electrical system. Therefore, troubleshooting should be done as soon as possible. To solve this problem, immediate complex diagnostics and qualified assistance are required.
Breakdown in the ignition system.
A faulty ignition system is a common reason why a cold engine won't start.
The following breakdowns occur in the ignition system:
Cracks in ignition coils
Malfunction of the distributor, armored wire, candles, distributor
Before proceeding with the repair, listen for characteristic pops. Even one pop indicates that the problem is in the ignition system.
Coil cracks are one of the most common problems. Due to a sharp temperature drop, microcracks may occur in the coils. It is also known from the lessons of physics that a hot body expands, which is why the cracks are filled, and there are no problems with starting a hot engine. On a cold one, the body contracts, the fissures increase and give a breakdown. That is why the spark does not reach the candle and the car does not start well.
The ignition distributor malfunction manifests itself in such a way that the starter rotates, but does not seize. It is also worth paying attention to the alignment of the ignition timing, timing belt, its drive and candles.
Fuel system problems.
Faults in the fuel system process can cause cold start problems. Most often there is no fuel supply when:
There is no ignition of fuel in the engine cylinders
Too little fuel to start
Spark plugs flooded with excess fuel
When checking, the first thing to do is to make sure there is an exhaust. If smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, then fuel is supplied to the cylinders.
Don't underestimate the importance of replacing spark plugs. Old and damaged spark plugs flood the engine, as a result, there is no spark and the fuel does not ignite.
It is also necessary to check air leakage in the fuel system and lines in time for damage and cracks.
Professional diagnostics are essential to quickly resolve any cold start problem. Only a qualified specialist will be able to determine the real problem the first time and easily solve it.
Winter is not just a change of season, it is necessary to prepare a car for it so that in cold weather you don’t have to worry about whether it can start.
The engine will work properly if before the onset of cold weather:
Replace spark plugs;
Check and service the fuel system;
Change engine oils;
Check battery terminals and ground wire.
