Does COLD WEATHER affect starting the car?
 

So the dealer I'm working with has two RX8's, an '09 and a '10. In the course of the last week we've been talking, there's been snow moves on lot coupled with some cold weather- nights in the teens, days in the 20's.

When I asked him how the '09 I'm looking at has been starting the reply was "That one is doing OK, but the 2010 won't start for sh*t". His reply towards this car being OK didn't inspire confidance, nor did his honesty regarding the other one...

I have read some posts here regarding weather affecting the starting of thhe car, but I also see many folks from Canada and other cold weather areas driving them daily, which I will be.

So, what is the deal with weather- does it affect the way the car starts?

I do a lot of out of state driving for music, and am often getting back to my car after midnight- sometimes in NYC and Boston, other times in the middle of nowhere in upstate NY or NH... need I be concerned that I'll have a problem in cooold weather??

Cold weather affects starting but it shouldn't be a problem for you, cars are designed to operate in all types of weather..

Cold weather affects the starting of all cars. I have started the car in up to -10F temps with out any problems. Block or oil heaters will help the car start easier and will get you to the operating temperature sooner.

There wasn't any changes between the 09 & the 10 cars.

>Cold weather affects starting but it shouldn't be a problem for you, cars are designed to operate in all types of weather.. <

I don't understand what you mean... I realize that enviromental conditions do, to a degree, affect the car's mechanicals to some degree no matter what... but why do you say I'll have no problem?

I'm looking for real life experiences from folks who live in cold weather states... I don't want anything sugarcoated; I just need the facts to make a decision.

>I have started the car in up to -10F temps with out any problems. Block or oil heaters will help the car start easier and will get you to the operating temperature sooner.<

No problems w/o the heaters?

I have yet to have a problem starting my 8 on cold mornings. Might be a tiny bit slower to start than say a spring or summer morning but it is barely a change.

Does cold weather affect yu getting out of bed????
Like stated above it affects the starting of all cars

Does cold water affect penis size?

The dealer probably flooded the engine. Rotary engines should be fully warmed up prior to shutting them off, especially when it is cold out. The dealer probably started the car to show someone or to move it and turned it of after a minute. Or the OEM battery is shit and does not have a high CCA causing it not to start right up. All cold weather starting problems can be fixed by 1) Getting a HIGH CCA battery and 2) Letting the engine reach normal operating temperature prior to turning it off.

Just read the sticky's and you will be fine. It is a fun, fun, fun car. It's also fun.

Well for what it's worth; I survived 19 winters in Buffalo, NY; do those count?:lol: As long as your battery and charging system are up to snuff, you have the proper fluids in their respective places (antifreeze, oil, dry gas, etc) and your "tune" (spark plugs and coils) are good, you shouldn't have a problem unless the car sits overnight in -50 degree temperatures. In that scenario you would probably want to leave the car running overnight, very common in certain parts of Alaska.

> I survived 19 winters in Buffalo, NY; do those count?<

LOL, YUP!
my question is, what took you 19 yrs to decide to move to Cali??

but being from upstate, you know the weather I'm talking about, and I'm upstate in ny frequently...

I do understand the battery has a lot to do with it, the 2010 the dealer is having problems with should have come from factory w/ the improved battery- yet they still can't get her to run right

It's most likely flooded. See jmc23200's post.

There is no reason the 2010's or any newer RX-8 would have a cold starting issue in teens - 20's degree weather. I have started mine many many many times in 20-30 degree weather without even a worry. Sure, it's a slight bit slower, but by maybe 1/2 a second. I'm saying they are doing it wrong.

It has probably been started (but not warmed-up), several times with the original spark plugs in it. A "good" road test would confirm/fix that problem. If you buy that car, have them change the plugs before you take delivery; it's part of the PDI.

Agreed Pitz. A dealer here in MA said they TRIED to flood the new RX8's and couldn't. If that dealer is complaining about the new RX8's not starting, go to another dealer.

>It has probably been started (but not warmed-up), several times with the original spark plugs in it<

hmmm, that's an interesting thought... they foul easily in short on/off situations?

I know multiple folks here talk of the car being flooded, but the dealer knows I'm hypersensitive about that issue and I can't imagine he would tell me of starting problems due to flooding- although I'm shocked he admitted problems on a vehicle that I was not even considering buying- bad, bad salesmanship there, though I appreciate his honesty

What is PDI?

> A dealer here in MA said they TRIED to flood the new RX8's and couldn't<

reallly? the closest dealer to me in Ct admitted to the cars floooding on lot due to short moves on lot multiple times
one of the reasons I have moved to another dealer

if a car has been flooded by the dealer, what shoulld I look for/get new?
plugs i imagine... but anything else?

Not that easy but how many times has it been started and run for a minute or taken on a short drive?

Pre Delivery Inspection

My guess is that the 09 car on the lot was started and stopped so many times that the plugs got fouled with carbon. I've had my 06 for three years in Rhode Island winters, have often moved the car and shut it right off, and it has never flooded. I would have the dealer replace the plugs.

^Or someone in the dealership left the lights on or the door open or something, weakening the battery. The plugs just need to be cleaned off. You can drive them clean.... i think lol.


If the car was flooded on the lot, it really just needs to be deflooded PROPERLY and driven and it will be ok. Spark Plugs would be the biggest thing. If they flood the engine, the spark plugs get wet. You can just pull them out and clean them and they will be fine.

I would ask for a list of TSB's(if applicable), maint records(if applicable) and make sure before you take it off the lot you and atleast one other person you trust inspects the car. There is nothing worse then buying a car and then driving off the lot to find a scratch or a ding somewhere.

it affects mine, and I have new coils and plugs.

>it affects mine, and I have new coils and plugs<

really? did you ever have a time where it couldn't get going? can you describe the difficulties you have had?

also, does your car have a hot battery, either as a newer model or a replacement?

thanks!

For my 8, it takes a LITTLE longer for it to start, but once warmed up it runs fine.

MICHGoBlue, your issue obviously isn't the coils or plugs. What is the CCA of your battery? Are you still using the OEM battery? Do you still have the original starter? Have you had a compression test done recently? For me, the battery, starter, coils and plugs were fine. It took a few extra cranks to start it up in the cold. Then I got a new engine do to low compression.

Klanham08, that is fairly normal although I had low compression and got a new engine. Even with the new engine, it doesn't fire right up like my moms corolla. Usually takes 2 cranks to start and the worst so far with the engine has been about 4. By crank, I mean actually hearing the engine turn over, not turns of the key.

Jon0220, I am glad you are doing your research. Unlike most people who buy the 8 and find these minor things out later then do nothing but bitch about it. To be honest with you, this car is higher maintenance then a Honda or Toyota. You need to check the oil level every couple of weeks, change the spark plugs and coils every couple of seasons, and redline once a day to keep the carbon away. The cold starting problems can usually be resolved by replacing the spark plugs, coils, battery, or starter. Most cases of the car not starting are do to improper warm up of the engine. The engine MUST be warmed up fully before turning it off or you will have difficulty starting it back up. This isnt a big deal. It takes 5-10 minutes at idle. Most of the time, the salesmen don't know jack diddley about RX8's and flood them. Don't take a dealer lot mishap as what will happen.

jmc23200

thank you very much for the input and advice.
yes, i am doing my research for sure, lol, as this is a whole new animal to me
i am not a "car guy" and am lucky if i can find the battery and the oil dipstick when i open a hood, so all of this is new to me

especially because i have mostly driven imports- hondas, toyotas, and nissans, and, well, you know what you get with those- excellent reliability, low mait., and fantastic resale.

i am looking to go sportier, and instantly fell in love with the 8 since i first drove one almost a month ago

i went online after my first test drive and found this forum, and have read and read and read since then

i am just trying to quantify all that owning one of these fun, fantastic cars involves

btw, i saw a show in your town once, at the somerville theater, right around xmas time, and your town sure is pretty!

I have intentionally started the car in 15f degree weather and turned it off 10 seconds later... never have flooded.

^ That's like putting your flash drive through the washing machine. Just because it still worked after that one time, I don't recommend doing it again haha.

Jon, you were in the nicer part of the city :) I'm glad you liked it. Don't worry about not knowing about cars. If you have a problem with the RX8, you have the best community to ask for help from. Not only will they help you figure out what is wrong, but there are DIY with pics and detailed instructions. As long as you don't mind trying, you can do most things by yourself. If you can't do it, local RX8'ers may even stop by and give you a hand, for a few beers of course

Oh, dont know how I overlooked this. If you buy an RX8, I will share a very very important part of the RX8 community with you. The name is "MRS. DSHILL" You can get a sneak peak here https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=dshill

I have no engine/oil heaters and it has been under 20 degrees for like the past 3 weeks sometimes 10 below, i have had no problem starting the car except maybe a second longer to start and the revs jump up higher right away... but thats normal on any cold car. (BTW i have no garage it is in my driveway all the time)

3rd Winter here.

My RX8 has never once had a problem starting.

Last winter replaced the battery with a 650 CCA and have never had trouble.

Its a 2005 with all recalls done and now 90 000km.

Temps up here get down to -40 F/C (same).

Ive even shut it off multiple times by mistake without the engine being warmed up (while getting out of snow and slipped) and never once flooded the car.

I got it 2 years ago exactly at 44 000km.

Granted my 2009 RX-8 is new, I have been doing some very cold starts in the last few weeks. Yesterday it was about 15-20F, car starts no problem.

Out of paranoia I do wait until the engine temperature gauge moves up to mid-range. This takes about 5-8 minutes and subsequent starts throughout the day (even 1-2 hours later) the car generally warms a bit quicker (3-5 minutes).

As a side note, in terms of snow and ice, my dealer recommends me to get winter tires. This is mostly a daily driver but I have access to other vehicles IF it was really bad so I have not changed my tires - I can say having driven it a bit when it had snowed (I was coming home from work - it was clear in the morning) that winter tires are probably required if you are going to drive it a lot in icey/snowy conditions.

LOL - I'm not really either (Mostly just a hardcore motorsport fan but not a gearhead on my own car), I was a bit worried about the maintenance of the RX-8 when I first got it but I have done a lot of research and taken all the advice here on this forum and elsewhere.

This is my 3rd winter with my 06 and she still starts right up at -20f and colder. It may take 2 or 3 more cranks but I've never had a problem. Actually I'm just about to head out the door now and it's -23f...glad she has seat heaters. Just remember to let it warm up properly when it's this cold.

-23? that's insane. it got down here to 7 last week and i was already horrified

If you think that is insane...

I guess you missed my mentioning -40 above. :)

I've got a 2009 R3. Its my daily driver, and has survived in Colorado so far. Even some mountain stuff down to -15. No problems with the engine starting in the cold at all. I'm not sure why that would even be a worry as long is its not like 0 Kelvin or something.

the rx8 doesnt have a great resale. my 05 was bought for
$38k new. in 07 i paid $20k (19.5k miles) for it. now its probably worth $10-12k (if it was stock.)

I'm not sure how resale got into the picture since the OP didn't mention it. However if we're going that way...I bought my 06 copper red shinka on Jan 13, 07 for $24K new with 52 miles on it. The KBB value for it in excellent condition is $16900 if you want to use that as a measuring stick and mine took best of class (stock) at a local car show in May. Then again, you buy a car because you like it and want to drive it...an investment is a Model A, 66 Ferrarri or a Countach, not an RX8 (yet).

The -15 doesn't even bother me anymore or the car for that matter but 0 Kelvin would really be a pain (for about .025 seconds). The RX8 really isn't a bad winter car as long as you have the right tires and watch out for the chunks of ice trucks leave behind. Even after a 12" snow dump I had no problem driving around...once I chipped out of the snow plow drift at the end of the drive.

As long as the car is in good working condition, it should not have any starting problem.

Most important of it all is ---- a good, strong battery that can supply at least 600 CCA. 550 CCA MIGHT DO. but I will look for something at 600 or above.

Dear jon0220

RX-8 from 08, survived two winters so far. Never, EVER, had a problem starting the car in the morning. Currently we are having temperatures in the teens here in Maryland.

The car doesn't even hestitate when I turn the ignition key. It just turns on.

To go on a slight tangent...

I am on my third winter with my car and have never had any starting "issues", per se. I have never had mechanical problems with the engine.

On cold weather starts in the mornings (~0-15 F and colder) my car will often immediately rev straight to 3-4k RPM and stay like that for upwards around a minute. I know this is common behavior based on the other threads I have seen (that and this supposed "rev cycling" others report).

What I have further noticed is that putting the car in gear yet keeping the clutch depressed causes the 3-4k RPMs to go back down to a more normal idle around 1-2k RPM.

I would like to know what other peoples' takes are on this behavior and whether you let the 3-4k RPM idle run its course, or do you put it in gear to "short circuit" the high revving?

EDIT: I almost always start the car with the gearbox in neutral; I have the tendency to want to lift my foot off the clutch after starting the car, and that leads to Bad Things more often than not if it is started in gear.

Sorry for the extremely late reply, but yes the RX-8 compression was checked in the summer of 09, and the coils + plugs were done the visit after that for my 30,000 mile maintenance. Battery checks out fine the last visit, which was around november or so.

Now when i said it affects mine, I do not mean it doesn't start whatsoever, but it does take a couple of seconds longer, and it sounds like it is struggling. I guess the most concerning part is it's garage kept, so it never gets below freezing, always 40 degrees or so.

I'm not too concerned about the issue as it does start, and I only drive it this time of the year once every week or two to get fluids/battery going.

You want fun starting a car in the cold? Try starting a 30 year old 911 with 12 qts of oil to warm up!
Like it's been said, starting it in the cold should be no problem as long as you buy a good battery and don't leave any lights on. Even so, a couple of days ago I unloaded our Rav4 and closed the door with my hip. Well it didn't close all the way. Dome light was on all night. Next morning, 11°, car out side in driveway, started right up. Glad I had just replaced the battery with a strong one for winter since the Rav sits outside all year long.
I think your bigger problem will be driving through deep snow in New England.

So I'm on my second 8 (04 and currently 09). It's below zero here and I went to take a drive to the store and it slugged a bit to turn over and never got there. I tried again and only heard one click (relay). Battery said replaced on 5/17 so thinking that's not it. Didn't leave lights on either. Dash lights and radio came on. Too cold here to try to fix myself, so had it towed to the dealer. I'll let you know what I find out.

Click = insufficient current to turn the starter. Battery or battery terminals. Age is irrelevant, I had an Interstate battery fail after 3 months. Apparently the batch its from had a high failure rate. Or the car hadn't been run in a while and you have a phantom current runnin down the battery with the car off.

Does COLD WEATHER affect starting the car?
 

Very good 9 year old question that wasn't really answered.

Summer combined with underhood 190 deg F heat causes excess chemical reaction to wear battery faster.

Then, winter comes along, and even with a new battery the cold slows chemical reaction, and battery seems dull.

Summer ruins em, and winter finds em ruined.

Then, there is the molasses like oil at freezing temps which ups the necessary torque to turn engine, and you have trouble.

The last few weeks the temps here have been under 5*F on average

I cold started the RX-8 Monday morning since I didn't have to work which means No Truck, and it was -8* with a windchill of somewhere around -25*F

It fired right up no problem, as it does every-time but it definitely was NOT happy about the temps., Cold Idle RPMs peaked at about 4,000-4,100

I let the car idle in the driveway for about 15-20 mins before I even moved it, when I got in it, it still had not even reached warm idle, it was at about 1200rpms

Also for what it is worth, The RX-8 does not get started Monday-Friday usually. So it sits outside the whole time, and collects dust (or snow this time of year)

I put a new battery in it in November - it has no issue cranking over after sitting all week.

My 8 runs about 1000 miles a year, and I get about 2 1/2 years even disconnecting for a few months at a time.

I'm not about to drive car below 40 deg F, and it's got Michelin PSS tires which degrade more if flexed while under 40 deg f (read their info).

When battery gives up I hope it's 35 months so I get free one from Walmart next door.

I lost track of number of batteries in 10 years, but it might be 5.

This car with high underhood heat will really kill em unless your miles are lots of hwy with air cooling battery.

Stop and go will kill em.

Normal lead-acid batteries lose about 1% of the charge per day (on average YMMV). So after 60-90 days any car will have insufficient charge to start a vehicle.

Several automakers have additional loads (BMW with the frequent self-checks that turn on circuits) that reduce this decay.

Eleven winters with numerous frigid weather starts after sitting outside for 2-3 days at a time, always fires right up. Then it cycle revs up and down for a few minutes before I drive away.

I used to sell batteries.

We used the 12.4 voltage level to know when to charge up.

If I have them on shelf for 90 days, I'll wanna charge, but they can easily go 6 months.

I started my RX8 up after cable unhooked for 4 months.

I measured the loss of voltage of new never hooked up left for 3 months, and it went from 12.62 to 12.35 a loss of 20% total voltage.