Car won't start on cold mornings..
#1
Car won't start on cold mornings..
Ok I have an odd issue and could use some help; you'll need to read the entire explanation here as it's really odd and I'm having trouble tracing the root cause.
In temperatures below about 30F, when I come out to my 2G CL-S and try to start it: if the car has sat for 2-3 days, the battery will be dead or near dead. If only 1 day, it's usually about 65% "alive" and the car starts with a little struggle - I can hear the difference.
Data points:
I'm puzzled .. yes the car is old (my wife's explanation) but my other vehicle doesn't have this problem, and this started about a year ago, so I'm not sure what the hell is going on - something is wrong. I suppose it could be a parasitic draw from an old relay.
I don't think it's the starter - the only solution (root cause) I can think of is to have a local Honda dealer (no Acura dealer close by) run diagnostics on both the battery and alternator at the same time and give me a report. Could they trace a potential parasitic draw for me or am I looking at a big cost for that service?
Thoughts if anyone else has had this issue with this car or another vehicle?
In temperatures below about 30F, when I come out to my 2G CL-S and try to start it: if the car has sat for 2-3 days, the battery will be dead or near dead. If only 1 day, it's usually about 65% "alive" and the car starts with a little struggle - I can hear the difference.
Data points:
- Battery is an Optima Red about 2 years old and has tested by local auto shop as a "good" battery (holds a charge)
- Alternator died on a me a few years ago and I had it re-habbed from a local shop - once reinstalled, appears to be working fine. And a local auto shop tested it out late last year as working correctly/"good"
- I have no Mods and swapped out fuses a few years ago because they were just old and I had an issue with one fuse about 7 years ago that left me stranded at my parent's house for days until my Dad and I figured out a fuse needed replaced solely due to age/worn contacts (fuse was not blown)
I'm puzzled .. yes the car is old (my wife's explanation) but my other vehicle doesn't have this problem, and this started about a year ago, so I'm not sure what the hell is going on - something is wrong. I suppose it could be a parasitic draw from an old relay.
I don't think it's the starter - the only solution (root cause) I can think of is to have a local Honda dealer (no Acura dealer close by) run diagnostics on both the battery and alternator at the same time and give me a report. Could they trace a potential parasitic draw for me or am I looking at a big cost for that service?
Thoughts if anyone else has had this issue with this car or another vehicle?
#3
M90booosted
sounds like you could have a draw. or could simply be a simple starter/battery problem. does it click when trying to start? like a low voltage click? do all the accessories work with key on engine off?
#4
There isn't any clicking when I try to start, so I highly doubt it's the starter BUT the starter is original. Does the starter always give the clicks when it's dying?
All the accessories work with key on/engine off.
#6
Trending Topics
#9
Instructor
My experience with Optima was they are junk. This is my experience only, do what you will. Replaced 3 under warranty in my Camaro. Finally put a battery disconnect switch in. My Optimas did NOT like any sort of parasitic drain.
#10
Senior Moderator
Why not just fix the parasitic draw ?
#11
The more I read about these Optima Red Tops, the more I'm seeing bad reviews at how they fail in 3 years or less.
I'm still 8 months from the 3 year mark, so I'm going to call Optima today and get a free replacement but next year this time, I'm going to replace it with a different brand/type of battery.
Thanks all
I'm still 8 months from the 3 year mark, so I'm going to call Optima today and get a free replacement but next year this time, I'm going to replace it with a different brand/type of battery.
Thanks all
#12
Instructor