Cold weather will not start

JESSICAB522

MEMBER
1994 BMW 525I
168,000 MILES

Hi guys, I know that this is a common problem, especially up north. But, I live in Texas.

The car will not start when the temperatures are fifty degrees or less.

It has been in and out of repair shops for years and they have never figured out the problem.

4 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,462 POSTS

What does it do, crank over but not start?
Nothing?
Crank over and tries to start but will not?
What happens if you spray some starting fluid into the intake and try starting it then?
Have any parts been replaced while trying to fix the issue?

It sounds like it could be a bad coolant temperature sensor, if the ECU thinks it is warmer than it really is, it will not trigger the system to provide more fuel for a cold start.

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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 11:50 PM

JESSICAB522

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for responding. It cranks over, but, won't start.
Haven't tried spraying starter fluid. Of course, won't know until it gets cold enough outside.

7/13/11 - Catalytic Converter
10/15/11 - Air Mass Meter - 10/15/11

12/13/12 - Temperature Sensor - Drain Plug Washer

12/12 - DME Relay - Coolant Temperature Sensor - Intake Air Temp Sensor for Fuel Injection System

1/18/13 - replaced: Crank Position Sensor - 2 Relays - Thermostat Housing - Multi Rib Belt drivebelt

3/2017 - Pump Water Auxiliary
5/2017 - Radiator

9/27/17 - Water Pump - Fan Clutch - Radiator Coolant Sensor
Ordered Coolant Level Sender to put on

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Friday, September 29th, 2017 AT 9:01 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

It sounds like a fuel pump problem when it doesn't start can you hear the pump running in the back?

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Saturday, September 30th, 2017 AT 5:01 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,462 POSTS

Hmm, know anyone with a cold storage warehouse? The other approach would be to use component cooler and spray each sensor until you found the one that doesn't like the cold.
I've seen just about ever type of sensor or module become temperature sensitive but they can be hard to track down unless you get specific failures.
You've had most of the common suspects replaced already. Another test when it gets cold enough involves a heat gun/hair drier. Heat up the suspected part and see if it runs.

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Saturday, September 30th, 2017 AT 8:03 PM