Cold Starting Problems
Discussion
Come winter and having problems starting my S3 
The starter turns 6-8 times, and sounds as if it's almost there but not quite cranking.
Even after jumping it, it takes some effort to get it going, but once it is everything seems fine.
It's kept in an garage, but without heating, so it's just as cold as the outside, but dry and frost free.
When warm it has no problems - no surpise there mind!
Wouldn't be so bad but my runaround's starter is dying at the moment, so I'm stuck if that doesn't work when the missus is out..
Probably quit obvious to the mechanically minded, but I can't think of anything obvious myself.
Thanks in advance.
Rob
The starter turns 6-8 times, and sounds as if it's almost there but not quite cranking.
Even after jumping it, it takes some effort to get it going, but once it is everything seems fine.
It's kept in an garage, but without heating, so it's just as cold as the outside, but dry and frost free.
When warm it has no problems - no surpise there mind!
Wouldn't be so bad but my runaround's starter is dying at the moment, so I'm stuck if that doesn't work when the missus is out..
Probably quit obvious to the mechanically minded, but I can't think of anything obvious myself.
Thanks in advance.
Rob
You've probably been following the previous threads on starting problems, all of which seem to manifest in the winter.
My S2 had the same problems and it was all down to the battery, according to the AA who I eventually called out as I couldn't sus the problem,in a cold unheated garage, the battery has to be in top condition to turn over and fire the engine, there is a load of technical whys that I can't go into but things like oil is heavier etc etc.all making the battery have to work harder. If you have an alarm this is continually draining the battery and the battery always apparently trickle discharges even with the ignition off.
Your battery is probably an 075 (590 amps)when an 072 (630) may help over the winter.
What to do? obtain a Battery conditioner (not charger) and leave it plugged in (see previous threads on this). or, for the moment recharge your battery over a 24 hour period on a normal charger.
Good luck.
My S2 had the same problems and it was all down to the battery, according to the AA who I eventually called out as I couldn't sus the problem,in a cold unheated garage, the battery has to be in top condition to turn over and fire the engine, there is a load of technical whys that I can't go into but things like oil is heavier etc etc.all making the battery have to work harder. If you have an alarm this is continually draining the battery and the battery always apparently trickle discharges even with the ignition off.
Your battery is probably an 075 (590 amps)when an 072 (630) may help over the winter.
What to do? obtain a Battery conditioner (not charger) and leave it plugged in (see previous threads on this). or, for the moment recharge your battery over a 24 hour period on a normal charger.
Good luck.
Always used to remove the battery but this was on "easier access" cars.
Just recharged mine in situ in the S2 - no problems if you use a bit of common.
Disconnect earth lead first/reconnect last.
Make certain you dont touch cables on to any metal when disconnecting.
Slacken off or remove battery plugs/fill points.
Connect charger as instructions.
I put some newspaper or rags around battery to collect "spitting acid" (sometimes happens)
NEVER SMOKE in vicinity of car. NO NAKED FLAMES.
Keep area ventilated.
Sorry to preach to the initiated but some may be in doubt.
When reconnecting the system remaps itself but radio and clock may need resetting.
Just recharged mine in situ in the S2 - no problems if you use a bit of common.
Disconnect earth lead first/reconnect last.
Make certain you dont touch cables on to any metal when disconnecting.
Slacken off or remove battery plugs/fill points.
Connect charger as instructions.
I put some newspaper or rags around battery to collect "spitting acid" (sometimes happens)
NEVER SMOKE in vicinity of car. NO NAKED FLAMES.
Keep area ventilated.
Sorry to preach to the initiated but some may be in doubt.
When reconnecting the system remaps itself but radio and clock may need resetting.
Hmm, the morning problems were battery related, but only because the starter flattened it trying to start. Even after of 10 mins charging from the donor car it took three attempts to crank.
However, after getting her going yesterday did a 60 mile run so I would have expected a good charge in the evening. Tried four times (6-8 starter turns a time), before it started.
Might the cold be affecting the engines will to start in some way, or could the battery not
Battery conditioner is on the list for next year, right after getting an electricity supply into the garage!
Sorry if any of this seems stupid, I'm at the level where I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous but no competant
However, after getting her going yesterday did a 60 mile run so I would have expected a good charge in the evening. Tried four times (6-8 starter turns a time), before it started.
Might the cold be affecting the engines will to start in some way, or could the battery not
Battery conditioner is on the list for next year, right after getting an electricity supply into the garage!
Sorry if any of this seems stupid, I'm at the level where I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous but no competant
Can't say for certain its the battery but it sure sounds like it.
When you did your 60 mile run, did you have lights,heater, wipers on or anything else drawing power? if "yes" then you were drawing power away from the battery at the same time, and a cold garage etc. could result in difficult starting the next morning. Try as suggested charging the battery up and see if its any better. If you switched off when you got back and then started again and it fired up this would suggest to me low battery power - did you try that at any stage?
Best of luck I know its frustrating Iv'e had the same trouble.
When you did your 60 mile run, did you have lights,heater, wipers on or anything else drawing power? if "yes" then you were drawing power away from the battery at the same time, and a cold garage etc. could result in difficult starting the next morning. Try as suggested charging the battery up and see if its any better. If you switched off when you got back and then started again and it fired up this would suggest to me low battery power - did you try that at any stage?
Best of luck I know its frustrating Iv'e had the same trouble.
Have been advised by a Pistonheader to keep the clutch depressed when starting, this has reduced the number of turns from five or six to just one or two, making life much better 
Damn obvious really, but not something I'd ever considered
Will see how the new tactic goes during the rest of winter..
Damn obvious really, but not something I'd ever considered
Will see how the new tactic goes during the rest of winter..
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