rain and moisture prevent car from starting

CHEVROLET IMPALA
Avatar
CASPIA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi all,
My 1997 Ford Aspire which I bought used with about 60K miles has always had a problem with rain and moisture. It would basically hesitate and not run smoothly during a rain or on damp days. Once warmed up it would be just fine. 4 years later, for the last 2 weeks the car will not even start. It cranks, I know the battery is strong but I have a hard time starting the car. I have succeeded in starting it last night. It was a dry, cold day and I drove the car for more than 30 minutes with no problems. It has been raining and it is very damp today and the car is in the garage not exposed to water. As I said I drove it last night with no trouble but now today once again the engine will not turn over. It's been a mystery. What can I do? As said before one day the car is fine and the next (damp, rainy day) it will not even start. I am consulting my priest for an excorcism but perhaps a more worldly solution does exist:)
Please help:)
Thanks
Jan 11, 2006 at 7:26 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

First clarify whether the engine cranks during the failure, then have the starting or ignition system tested under the conditions that cause it. Have insulation, connections and moisture exposure assessed before selecting parts.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: This question and its visible discussion, including any clearly labeled editorial corrections. Owner reports are distinguished from other participants' experiences. Follow-up guidance is not a confirmed diagnosis. HELLA: Ignition-coil diagnosis https://www.hella.com/techworld/uk/technical/car-electronics-and-electrics/check-ignition-coil/ General ignition diagnostic background; no vehicle-specific measurements or diagnosis are inferred.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Advertisement
Avatar
DUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 50 POSTS
sounds like dampness on spark plug wires ,plugs ,ditributer cap (if their is one) and coil
Blow around them with compressed air then dry off with paper towel
Auto parts store has a spray bomb of silicone to protect wires for this problem
If problem persists wires may need replacing ,plus cap then spray again
Jan 11, 2006 at 11:42 PM

Discussion summary

rain and moisture prevent car from starting

A 1997 Aspire had a history of damp-weather hesitation and later intermittent starting difficulty. It reportedly ran normally during one dry-weather outing. A reply suggested moisture-related ignition problems.

Reported outcome: No confirmed cause or repair was reported.

The owner used both crank and will not turn over, leaving the failure description ambiguous. The spray treatment and suggested ignition parts were not a verified repair.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle