sunshine 2 #1 January 15, 2005 Ok, i'm not mechanical so someone please help. Its super cold out and my car won't start. If i get it jumped, is it safe to drive a long distance? At some point i'll have to stop for gas and i'm worried that once i turn it off to pump gas, it won't start when i'm done. Anyone? ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #2 January 15, 2005 I'm no expert but i have the same problem when its really cold - but once i have started mine once and run it for a few minutes, it usually starts fine after that unless you let it cool down for a LONG time. Good luck!Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mindcake 0 #3 January 15, 2005 it´s probably time for a new battery (if you havent left some electrical appliance on) but if it is real cold then your battery just dosent have what it takes right now but if you jump it and the battery has a chance to warm up and take a little more charge you should be ok........until it gets this cold and your car sits again........this is ov course assuming that your charging system is working properly...... also assuming that it is not starting because the battery dosent have the power to turn the engine over I have 6 years in the tire and battery industry Don´t belive the hype Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penniless 0 #4 January 15, 2005 QuoteOk, i'm not mechanical so someone please help. Its super cold out and my car won't start. If i get it jumped, is it safe to drive a long distance? At some point i'll have to stop for gas and i'm worried that once i turn it off to pump gas, it won't start when i'm done. Anyone? Need more information. What are the symptoms? Starter won't turn the engine? Engine turns OK but doesn't fire? Engine fires but won't keep running? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeordieSkydiver 0 #5 January 15, 2005 What mindcake said. Sounds just like a weak cold battery. If it starts and runs fine after its been running for a while, or in warm weather then its more than likely that. Get a new battery.Lee _______________________________ In a world full of people, only some want to fly, is that not crazy? http://www.ukskydiver.co.uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jb092 0 #6 January 15, 2005 If it is just the battery you should be fine driving it just becare were you shut it off. If you can't get another jump were you are going I wouldn't go. A bttery is easy to replace so dont let it go that long. What could possibly go wrong? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #7 January 15, 2005 If you have a sears nearby, they will test your current battery for free and tell you if you need a new one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #8 January 15, 2005 Sometimes, cleaning the battery connections can help. A thin 'crust' can form between the battery post and the cable connector. that 'crust', can keep the alternator from getting the proper charge to the battery. After cleaning the connections and get a 'jump-start'. As was suggested, go to a place that can check the 'condition' of your battery. This may not be the cause, but, it's a 'cheap' start to finding your problem. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mayberry 0 #9 January 15, 2005 QuoteNeed more information. What are the symptoms? Starter won't turn the engine? Engine turns OK but doesn't fire? Engine fires but won't keep running? You read my mind. I'd have to say with the weather you're having up there it's more than likely the battery. In the meantime to get you going, got any jumper cables & a friend who can come over & jump you?? Then go get the battery tested and/or replaced if needed. Don Here's to friends! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #10 January 15, 2005 Does the car turn over at all, does it sound weak when turning over, like a sick kid running out of energy quick? Or does it just click when you try to turn it over? If the battery shorted, you won't be able to jump start it, if the battery just lost charge, then you'll be able to jump start it. Call up a friend, take the battery out and go to Wal-Mart. Inexpensive and they work well. Not only that, but they're good on taking back dead batteries. My truck's alternator goes out about once or twice a year, everytime that happens it'll short the battery, so I've got a routine when I notice the amperage drop...consists of going to Wal-mart for a new battery then O'reily's for a new alternator. It doesn't take me more then about 5 minutes at each location (including pulling the dead item from the truck and putting the new one in). Oh, if you get it started and you need to get gas, go ahead and leave your car running. HOWEVER, do NOT repeatedly get in and out of your car while pumping the fuel. Roll your window down then get out of the car. Shut the door and leave it that way while fueling. Fuel, pay, etc, then get in your car, roll up the window and leave. The dryer air in your car due to the heater running can help create a condition with static electricity, rolling down the window helps equalize things and not getting in and out of your car keeps you from building up spark and such. Sounds like bullshit, but its happened before. Then again I've seen a lot of folks put gas in their car while smoking and nothing happened (hell I've done it a few times myself).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #11 January 15, 2005 QuoteDoes the car turn over at all, does it sound weak when turning over, like a sick kid running out of energy quick? I consider it more like a whining dog... Anyhoo, since i really have nobody close, getting a jump start isn't an option. I got the "crusty stuff" cleaned off the battery about a month ago, so thats not the issue. Ooh, and the mot fun thing is my driver's door. Something is fucked up with the lock mechanism so i get to climb in through the passenger side. At least if it was summertime i could be cool and do the Dukes of Hazzard thing, but too cold to keep the windows down. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #12 January 15, 2005 QuoteOoh, and the mot fun thing is my driver's door. Something is fucked up with the lock mechanism so i get to climb in through the passenger side posibly frozen sunny.... take your hair dryer on an extension cord to the lock and it should warm right up.. then put some graphite in it to keep it from freezing....... will also help the lock turn more smoothly as it is a lubricant too!!! ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowwhite 0 #13 January 15, 2005 QuoteQuoteDoes the car turn over at all, does it sound weak when turning over, like a sick kid running out of energy quick? I consider it more like a whining dog... Anyhoo, since i really have nobody close, getting a jump start isn't an option. I got the "crusty stuff" cleaned off the battery about a month ago, so thats not the issue. Ooh, and the mot fun thing is my driver's door. Something is fucked up with the lock mechanism so i get to climb in through the passenger side. At least if it was summertime i could be cool and do the Dukes of Hazzard thing, but too cold to keep the windows down. Isn't winter fun? Ok, make sure that your battery is good, and keep your fuel tank at LEAST half full. Everytime you fill up, add a can of HEET. Tomorrow is supposed to be subzero again, so do it now! If you haven't taken care of your battery yet, they are really easy to remove, and you can get a cab, go to a Walmart, Sears, or Farm and Fleet, and they will sell you a new one, take back the old one, and you should be on the go cheap. Make sure to pick up some HEET while you are there, so you can add it to whatever amount of fuel you currently have. Contrary to advice given here, don't EVER fill your tank while the engine is running or someone is smoking. Those gas station fires can be really nasty. Even cell phones are a no no while fueling. If you need me to come and rescue you, let me know. I understand that Michael has the flu, or I bet he would give you a hand...skydiveTaylorville.org freefallbeth@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #14 January 15, 2005 QuoteI understand that Michael has the flu, or I bet he would give you a hand... what will sunny ever do when he moves back to colorado?....... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #15 January 15, 2005 Hi SS Got AAA or towing insurance thru your auto policy if the problem is the battery they can give you a jump so you can get to a place to check out your battery. How old is your battery? If you got a stick shift and live on a hill "pop the clutch" Always good idea to have a pair of jumper cables, A poor babe standing by her car with jumper cables Some hero will get the message and stop and give your battery a boost real quick. Good luck R.I.P. BTW Battery warrenties a re pro rated Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #16 January 15, 2005 QuoteIn the meantime to get you going, got a friend who can come over & jump you?? Did you mean to post this in her "sexually frustrated" thread? Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #17 January 15, 2005 QuoteIn the meantime to get you going, got a friend who can come over & jump you?? ------------------------------------------------------- Did you mean to post this in her "sexually frustrated" thread? Damn, i didn't even catch that, i must be pretty damn frustrated. Oh where oh where is a hot skyboy when i need one?? ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #18 January 15, 2005 He's helping out with the Tsunami victims...well, him and the rest of his C-130 crew...--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #19 January 15, 2005 Quote Damn, i didn't even catch that, i must be pretty damn frustrated. Oh where oh where is a hot skyboy when i need one?? I'm in Washington of course! Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #20 January 15, 2005 are the head light bright, this will tell you the state of charge of the battery. also bring the battery in to a walmart, autozone ect and they will charge and test for free, I'd come help but sebastian is a long way I'm a ase master mechanic, pm me I'll try to help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #21 January 16, 2005 QuoteQuoteI understand that Michael has the flu, or I bet he would give you a hand... what will sunny ever do when he moves back to colorado?....... She'll IM me... ----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #22 January 16, 2005 Ahh the joys of winter in the Upper Midwest.. Once you get it started its ok.. everything warms up the battery gets a good charge.. and it will start again faily easily. You may want to get a battery heater.. its a little pad thing that goes under the battery and a block heater to heep the engine warm and the oil viscous on those cold winter nights on the prairie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
