Connor

Hey CL,

I've been having a chronic problem with my car having difficulty starting in winter. Often, it will take 4 x attempts and sometimes it will simply die out and I'll have to boost it.
This only occurs during winter.
I installed a SmartStart module to an already existing command start installation two years ago. Is it possible this is causing the battery to be chronically drained? It has to be powered in order to receive the signal.
There was also one instance where the car was boosted with the wires reversed - could this cause symptoms like this and involve the alternator? The battery was since replaced after this event.

So... Do you think it is the battery, alternator, or short?

Thanks in advance!

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Sounds like the additional electronic components are causing a parasitic draw on the battery will sitting. Honestly, have whomever installed it, fix it. Probably wired it incorrectly,

Connor

I hear ya.

The only thing that points away from a parasitic draw is that the car starts fine in the summer. You'd think the drain would be constant regardless of weather? I guess the threshold could be lower in the winter.

NYKnick101

How old is the batter and what is the CCA (cold cranking amps) of your current battery. My motorcycle battery wont start when its cold out but wil start perfectly fine when its above 65 degrees or sitting in the sun for a few hours. Could just be you have an old battery/a battery reaching the end of its life.

Question, once you jump it and it runs once its warm, can you stop and restart the car no problem? does it only happen when the car is cold? Is the battery leaking?

If your not running anything off the battery that is not stock, or more than a the regular essential components, my guess is its the battery. The way most cars work is the battery is just there to start the car, after it is started, the components get power from the alternator

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Could be a "good" battery during the summer months, but a bad cell in the thing could cause you issues during the colder month (lower CCAs).

NYKnick101

A greed, a battery with a bad cell will read 12 volts and wont have the amperage to start the car. Will start all the electronics but not the engine

xanderES

iTrader: (8)

If you end up not being able to find the problem just buy a low amp trickle charger with an automatic shut off and quick disconnect. Connect it in the winter and call it a day.