Difficult to start in the winter.
ben2001sam1
Member Posts: 1
I drive a nissan maxima 1995 which drives very well once started.It is okay in the summer,but during the winter it gets very stubborn.Three different mechanics checked and they couldn't fix it.They changed the starter,knock sensor and cold start.the problem still the same.Tune ups and oil changes are done right on time.Nothing seems to work.I would appreciate all suggestions.
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Does it crank over at normal speed for long periods before starting?
Does it happen every time you start the car or only after sitting overnight?
When was the last time the fuel filter was changed?
Have you tried fuel system antifreeze?
If you have water in the fuel it can start to crystallize and that causes starting problems. There is stuff you can get from a boating supply store that "traps" water in a "shell" then lets it pass through your engine w/o harming anything.
In the winter I try not to empty out my gas tank before refilling to prevent condensation, but they say with modern plastic tanks that is not a problem. Call me old fashioned, but I have never had any problem filling up with condensation. I fill up when I get down to half tank. You fill up more often, but I have never had a starting problem.
on a 1995, I think you're about due for a tune-up and scoping if necessary. eroding the spark plug gaps for six years, plus a few breaks in the plug wires to reduce the spark voltage, means wimpy spark and yet another reason for an engine to not want to start.
has all the other maintenance been kept up? if not, start catching up... air filter, oil changes, that sort of thing. makes a difference, and unless you drive 200 miles in a stretch once you turn the key, you are probably a "severe service" driver, and need to do things twice as often as the salesman said when you bought the car.
how's the battery doing?
Maybe due to age, the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) isn't enough anymore.
Many shops can test the battery to see its condition.