Cranks but no start on cold mornings

Tiny
ROY T
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MAZDA 6
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 140,000 MILES
On cold mornings car will crank but not start. I then place a small heater (plugs in cigarette lighter) under dash on drivers side. In two minutes it will start. What could be the issue?
Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 AT 11:39 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the coolant temperature sensor is shorting out when cold which is common. here is a guide to help you change it and the location of the sensor for your car below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
ROY T
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will check it out. Why would the portable heater have any effect on this?
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Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
It raises the temperature of the area which helps the sensor unshort.
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+1
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
ROY T
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ken, you may have solved the problem! Will get car checked and post again later. Thank you!
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
You are welcome, Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 AT 11:45 AM

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