Does not start when outside temperatures are cold

CARLOSHANNAH

MEMBER
1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
55,000 MILES

Hello, so in the morning when it cool outside (55 degrees) I go to start the car but it won't start no click noise from the starter. I thought it was the key so I got a new one made, still in the morning if it cool won't start. Now if I wait 1 hour later it starts with no problem. I know it sounds weird some people say it could be the security system but as I try to start it the light goes away. If the security light stay on then there's a problem with it, but it goes away. Now it does have a oil leak where the start is and the start looks wet but when it doesn't start I don't get the loud click noise from the starter.
Any ideas on what should I do?

3 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

You mentioned there might be an oil leak that is dripping onto the starter motor.That could be possibly caused the starter motor solenoid to be failing and causing this condition.If you remove the starter motor most auto parts stores will test for free.Here are a few tutorials for you to view:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions about this issue.Thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 5:17 PM

CARLOSHANNAH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Is it weird that it only happens in cooler weather and when it doesn't start it doesn't even makes the click sound that starters make when they go bad. But thank you for getting back to me.

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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 6:00 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,480 POSTS

If it has an oil leak on the starter I would check the connections on the starter. Oil is an insulator and it could have just enough on a connection that it thickens up in colder weather and prevents the start wire from sending current to the solenoid. It only takes a few milliamps to trigger the solenoid and corrosion and oil could easily cause an intermittent connection. I would go in, remove the wiring to the starter and clean the connections real well. Also check the ground to the back of the passenger side cylinder head as they like to corrode as well.

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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 6:40 PM