This morning was a brisk 8 degrees F, and while the onset of cold weather has made my 09 take a few extra seconds to start in the morning (as opposed to the instant starts during the summer), today was a different story. The engine cranked for at least 5 seconds, but never caught. On my next attempt to start it, it struggled to turn over at all, and my Ultra Gauge started rebooting (as was the traction control light started flashing and the stability control light stayed on until I turned the wheel lock-to-lock). On the 3rd attempt all I got was a faint click - all of which made me believe my battery had given up the ghost.

So I'm guessing my battery isn't producing enough amps at cold temperatures? Up until now it sits at 14 volts, and this morning I got a reading of 11 volts before my ultragauge shut down on me; however I have no means to monitor amps at the moment.

Long story short, I ended up push starting the car (which was tricky due to the parking lot being slightly uphill, the ice that covered the ground and my winter boots - required to get traction on the ice - causing me to catch the brake and the clutch at the same time). I took the car out during lunch when it was a toasty 18 degrees F and it started without a problem. The idle was a little bouncy for the first minute or so, but stabilized and I drove it around for about an hour and it idled as normal throughout the time.


So - looks like the battery is in need of testing and likely replacing. What kind of numbers should I be see for amps from a healthy battery? What about a boarder line battery? Anything else I should check out while I'm at it (plugs, wires and BHR coils were replaced in around May)? Recommendations for a replacement battery should I need one? (previous research has indicated the optima red top as being smaller and allowing more air flow through the radiatiors, which is always welcome).


Thanks for the help.

 

Try this: http://www.mcicoach.com/fyifrommci/m...tters/1110.pdf

I recommend the Diehard Platinum if you need to replace.

 

Thank you, much appreciated!

 

Dear god, poor thing.
I re did the plugs, wires, and batt this year, and boy am I glad.
I new battery really makes the difference. The rotary has never failed to start on me, no matter the temp.
Do it to it man, you won't regret it

 

More battery power means better start all year round, and any temp it could handle. I am planning to replace my battery even though its a little bit expensive, but it will give me power to start the car whatever the temperature is, and it will give me a peace of mind that it will start every time i go to work...

 

Cold weather will kill a dying battery far quicker than warm weather. I presume it's the original battery on an 09 car? You're just about reaching the average life span of a standard battery anyway id say, so a replacement should solve your issues.