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Technical Dreaded cold start :(

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Technical Dreaded cold start :(

AgnessGP

AgnessGP

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Hi All,

I've read a few threads on cold starts and have found it may be related to the map sensor.

Seeing as I know that, everyone will prob think its a waste of time posting, either way, i really dont want to spend money (coming up to christmas) uneccesarily. So heres my problem:

When starting from cold, the engine often sputters, makes a few noises then starts. Not too bad, its expected when its cold.

But today and more often recently, the engine will just grind (the sound it makes when you try turning the key when already started) and will start on the second attempt.

This really doesnt sound good, is this causing damage?

Additionally, when setting off from cold, just lifting the clutch gives me some sort of super boost no matter what gear im in, nearly sending me into other cars in the car park.

Now i've said the symptoms, my question is, how can a car be so bad on a morning (as oppose to other cars I have driven) and also, are these signs of a fault to come?

Many thanks in advance,

Sam
 
sammclean23 said:
Hi All,

I've read a few threads on cold starts and have found it may be related to the map sensor.

Seeing as I know that, everyone will prob think its a waste of time posting, either way, i really dont want to spend money (coming up to christmas) uneccesarily. So heres my problem:

When starting from cold, the engine often sputters, makes a few noises then starts. Not too bad, its expected when its cold.

But today and more often recently, the engine will just grind (the sound it makes when you try turning the key when already started) and will start on the second attempt.

This really doesnt sound good, is this causing damage?

Additionally, when setting off from cold, just lifting the clutch gives me some sort of super boost no matter what gear im in, nearly sending me into other cars in the car park.

Now i've said the symptoms, my question is, how can a car be so bad on a morning (as oppose to other cars I have driven) and also, are these signs of a fault to come?

Many thanks in advance,

Sam
Click to expand...

I might possibily suggest a flat/on way out battery as that would cause issues starting from cold, less power in an older colder battery, less cranking amps and a relunctance to start. I would give that a quick test.

The super boost is bad clutch control and engine anti stall protection all happening at the same time, give it 5-10 seconds before pulling off when cold and be very slow with the clutch see if that helps you at all.
 
TallTom said:
I might possibily suggest a flat/on way out battery as that would cause issues starting from cold, less power in an older colder battery, less cranking amps and a relunctance to start. I would give that a quick test.

The super boost is bad clutch control and engine anti stall protection all happening at the same time, give it 5-10 seconds before pulling off when cold and be very slow with the clutch see if that helps you at all.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for the suggestions mate. Will get it tested asap. Could it be possible that my amp is taking some of the power away making it harder to start?
 
Lol super boost. The revs idle at 1.3k until warm, before dropping to 0.7k. So if you lift the clutch it gives you the impression of foot down even though you're foot isn't on the gas.
 
Magic Johnson said:
Lol super boost. The revs idle at 1.3k until warm, before dropping to 0.7k. So if you lift the clutch it gives you the impression of foot down even though you're foot isn't on the gas.
Click to expand...

haha what else to call it lol! yeah iv realised now. Been letting engine run for a bit longer now before moving off (y)

EDIT: Just started engine after turning it off and had the spluttery start. Only two minutes before the engine was at running temperature so I guess this rules out cold start :(
 
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Being honest, iv not yet done any of the suggestions above, i just keep putting them off :(

My question is though, is the grinding/puffing into life/squeaking as though my cam belt is gonna fall off, causing any damage to my engine on cold starts?

I mean i can live with it until my mate (who has all the tools) decides to help me, but not if im doing any damage.

Thanks in advance,

Sam
 
The grinding is usually the starter motor not fully engaging with the ring gear inside the gear box due to a reduced voltage at the starter (its pulled in via a solonoid)

Yes it does do damage to either the cog on the starter motor or the ring gear in the gear box...


You tried charging your battery? if it works for a short time i'd still opt for a new battery think yours is still an original or at least it looked like it when i had a poke about under there at york
 
Andy, or anyone for that matter.

Just tried charging the battery, but it's fully charged and will not charge further. The battery tester says it is fully charged also.

The battery in my car is: varta 12v 40AH 300A

This seems okay, but my gf old yaris was 360A. Just thought id throw that in there.

So what next, MAP sensor or should i really clean the throttle body as you advised above?

Thanks!

Sam
 
My car has exactly the same symtoms, I have replaced the battery and alternator belt, however it has done no good. Ive ordered a MAP sensor, hopefully it will be here tomorrow! I also cleaned the throttle body, I will hopefully fit it tomoz if it is here and will tell you if it works. May not be the exact same problem but it sounds like it!
 
Elliot Ross said:
My car has exactly the same symtoms, I have replaced the battery and alternator belt, however it has done no good. Ive ordered a MAP sensor, hopefully it will be here tomorrow! I also cleaned the throttle body, I will hopefully fit it tomoz if it is here and will tell you if it works. May not be the exact same problem but it sounds like it!
Click to expand...

would appreciate it thanks! :)
 
Not arrived yet, and I doubt it will because the post has already been. Hopefully will be here tomorrow! But knowing the Royal Mail, it may not be lol!

Will update ASAP
 
Good news, all seems to be good with the car.

I cleaned the throttle body a few days ago and it made a real difference, so I would say doing that is very beneficial. It made the grinding sound much less noisy and made the car start better.

Today I fitted the MAP sensor, and reset the ECU. Started the car from cold and no noise, and it started perfectly! Also feels nicer to drive, not sure why!

If you have a 1.2 Active this is the MAP sensor you need

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAP-Manif...ehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ca3150a22#rpdId
 
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