Technical Cold Start Problems!

[07WES]

Hi everyone. My wifes GP 1.4 Active Sport 2007 is having problems and we need some of your expert help please.

Basically when trying to start on cold days it is taking about 6 attempts before the car will fully start and then idle properly. It will fire after 2 or 3 tries but then as soon as you try to rev it the car just splutters and dies.

The Check Engine light is staying on now too and the engine fan is coming on sometimes even if you just start the car and then turn it off. Sometimes the fan will then stay on for a bit even though there cant possibly be any overheating when the engine only ran for seconds.

The battery was replaced with an uprated one about 2 months ago and also the engine coolant temp sensor.

I have purchased an Autel Maxiscan MS300 code reader but unfortunately it will not connect to the car so am waiting to get it on a professional reader to see what codes are logged. Any help in the meantime would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Wes

 

[ElliottMK2B]

When's the last time it had a good service; plugs, air filter, oil... etc?

How does it run when you do manage to get it running?

Maybe the throttle body needs a good clean?

 

[07WES]

Hi, Full service last year including cambelt but only done 2k since. Just been reading up on MAP sensor issues which sound like similar symptoms?

Cheers

Wes

 

[T14086]

Monitor the engine temp from the MAP sensor, you will probably find it too be much higher than it actually is hence the PCM will start the car under normal operating temperature conditions and not cold start. This results in no throttle response initially.

Ignore any coolant sensor errors, the PCM flags this error due to the mismatch in readings between the 2 sensors, if a correct diagnostic was carried out it would be clear there in/was no reason to of changed the coolant temperature sensor.

p.s. you can easily monitor the MAP temperature signal wire with a voltmeter.

 

[07WES]

So do you think it looks like it needs a new MAP sensor then? It would make sense then with regards to the fan kicking in for no reason if its reading a false high temperature. The coolant sensor was flagged up on my mates Bosch reader but as it was only £23 its no great loss but hopefully others will read your post before buying one.

Cheers

Wes

 

[T14086]

Test it first, the key to any correct diagnosis

 

[07WES]

Hi unfortunately I haven't got a voltmeter. If I can get hold of one then what readings am I looking for?

Quick update. Been out this morning and disconnected the battery to leave off for an hour.

Whilst waiting I removed the MAP sensor and found it clogged with mayo. Gave it a good clean with electrical cleaner and also cleared out where it goes into the engine/inlet?

Removed the large breather from the air filter box and that was full of mayo too so cleaned that out. The oil filler cap is also full of it so I started thinking the worst - head gasket!

The car is using no water though and no signs of mayo in the coolant bottle. My wife only does about 3 miles a day back and to to work so hoping its all caused by condensation from such a short run in the cold?

Not checked/cleaned the earths as once the car has warmed up it will start perfectly all day although they visually look fine, no corrosion, tight etc.

The car runs great after the initial cold start problem and will start fine all day. There is no loss of power or other symptoms other than the check engine staying on. Going back out in a min to reconnect the battery so will post the results.

Any opinions or advice from experience of these issues would be great.

Cheers

Wes

 

[07WES]

Fingers crossed my clean out has sorted it! Car just started first time, Check Engine has now cleared and the fan is not kicking in for no reason.

From reading other threads it appears the mayo is just caused by short journey condensation as it is not using any water and no signs in the coolant bottle.

Thank you all for an excellent forum packed full of useful information. It was reading through all your threads that lead me to the clean out and the location of the MAP sensor, very helpful indeed!

Cheers

Wes

 

[GanMill]

My 2007 GP Eleganza was a nightmare to start in the really cold weather.
Had to turn the engine a number of times before it actually started up and then it would just cut out straight away. It seemed to take a step further every time I started it up until it finally stayed running.
It ended up taking about 10 goes until it ran.
On normal days though it starts up fine with no issues.

The fan is noisy when cold or on full (I dont know if that is related)

I know nothing mechanical about cars, so a bit dubious about taking it to the garage in case I get ripped off.
Any help or tips would be useful so I can at least take it in and sound like I know what I am talking about!

 

[07WES]

Hi Ganmill, If you read all of my thread you should be able to fix it yourself. First step is to get your battery tested as this can cause numerous problems. If thats ok then search the forum for pics of the MAP sensor. Disconnect the battery and then remove the sensor. If anything like my wifes car it will be full of gunk. I cleaned it with an electrical cleaner and cotton ear buds. I also cleared the big pipe connected to the bottom of the air filter box as that was clogged up too. The car runs perfect now and starts first time. Its only a 30min job and very easy.

Wes