Perculiar Cold Weather Starting Problem

1. AlanH Newbie Joined: Feb 2017 Posts: 2 Citroen Saxo 1.4 VTS, 2001

   #1 13th February 2017, 14:20

   Hi Guys,
   Been having a most strange problem with my little Saxo.
   Just in case it's relevant it's a 2001 1.4 VTS Petrol.
   What makes it odd is that it only occurs when it's proper cold, near 0 C and colder. Any warmer than that and it starts first time and runs perfectly.
   When it's cold, however, I get the same thing every time.
   First, when turning the key the starter catches and I can feel the engine trying to get moving. This usually causes all the console lights to dim as the battery is pushing hard. Most of the time I have to reset the clock afterwards 'cos the drain is so much.
   Anyhoo, after a couple of seconds of this I turn the key back, wait a couple of seconds and try again, and it works!, second time - every time! And once it's started I can drive off without any problems, even if I do a short drive of a hundred meters it will restart no problem.
   
   Apart from this it's a little beaut and great fun to drive but for those few sub zero days of the year this little glitch shows it's face.
   
   Any thoughts? I suspected the battery or starter motor but since it works so well the rest of the year I just don't know where to start looking.
   
   Cheers,
   
   Alan
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 13th February 2017, 15:55

   Get the battery & alternator tested.
3. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

   #3 13th February 2017, 18:17

   I'd probably start off with a new battery to be fair, when was it last changed?
4. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #4 13th February 2017, 19:01

   Mine didn't like being started in the cold, new(er) battery fitted and it's been fine.
5. AlanH Newbie Joined: Feb 2017 Posts: 2 Citroen Saxo 1.4 VTS, 2001

   #5 14th February 2017, 08:57

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte I'd probably start off with a new battery to be fair, when was it last changed?

   Not Sure Ben, We've had the car for about a year now and that's the battery that it came with so I've no idea of the history..
   At least the weather is improving now so I've a bit of time to sort out a new battery before next winter..
   
   Thanks Everyone...
6. Saxocarper Newbie Joined: Jan 2017 Posts: 8

   #6 18th February 2017, 21:46

   Battery for sure initial moving heavy cold oil in sub zero temps take a lot so often shows up a weak battery