Is this normal?

[kellijo]

It has been extremely cold here in the Midwest... My D1 is in my garage at night, and starts right up in the morning. It's parked at my office during the day.....and at my days end....it BARELY starts! Granted, it IS below 20 degrees...but it's stressing me out that it won't start one day. Also, the passenger window doesn't work until it's warm.

Also, how long should you let it warm up before driving? Obviously, this is my first full winter w/my rover....

Is this normal....or am I going to have some issues soon?

[rmuller]

It's not normal that you are posting a question actually talking about Land Rovers...

As for how long you should let it warm up.. when you first start it, watch your tachometer.. it is usually somewhere around 1250 or 1500.. within 30-60 seconds it'll drop down to about 1000.. then you should be able to drive away.. I think it's warming up the throttle body a bit.

As for taking a while to start.. how old is your battery? Could be an issue... I actually have 2 new yellow top optimas and always do notice a slight hesitation when its cold. And passenger window.... why are you rolling down the window when its that cold?!

[OkieRover]

Rmuller nailed this one.
Check that battery.
And I have strange things happening with relays that control my wipers now that it has gotten cold. I'll bet there is an issue with the one on your passenger window. And sadly no, I don't know where it is located.

[kellijo]

Originally Posted by rmuller

It's not normal that you are posting a question actually talking about Land Rovers...

Originally Posted by rmuller

As for taking a while to start.. how old is your battery? Could be an issue... I actually have 2 new yellow top optimas and always do notice a slight hesitation when its cold. And passenger window.... why are you rolling down the window when its that cold?!

Hmm....I have had battery issues in the past. Would I need a NEW battery if I only have the problem in the cold?

Good question about the window.......I....I....I don't know! LOL!

Thanks Ryan....

[Disco]

I agree that it's your battery giving you trouble. The temperature in your garage is a lot warmer than outside , therefore your vehicle starts easily. Left out in the cold you will find it cranks the engine slower. Check the water level in the battery and it's always a good idea to take off the terminals and give them a good clean with a round file. When you replace the terminals, ensure they are on tight. BTW, why do you need to have your window down in winter? Do you enjoy eating lots of beans?

[Badger1]

First off, wow you actually do work!

Second, what is the cold cranking amps of your battery? Gotta remember in cooler weather your oil is not as fluid as it is in warmer weather and therefore will be alot harder to start as the temps go down. When looking for a battery always try to find the battery with the highest cold cranking amps. Something with a low CCA like 550 will turn a starter very slow in the cooler weather than say something with 950 CCA. Definately DO get your battery checked though.

[BIG JIM]

if you are running the same weight oil that you do in the in mild weather, this could overwork the battery. 20/50 gets pretty thick in bitter cold weather, thus slow cranking. i go to 10/30 in the winter. seems to crank alot better on the bite-ass cold mornings and after work. hope this helps. jim 95 lwb

[Disco Mike]

Kelli,
Did you get lost?
Have your shop do a battery/alternator load test, this will tell all real fast.
As for the window problem, you have to quit rolling it down so much when guys drive by.
Poor Betty, you don't even garage her when you are at work.
Mike

[kellijo]

Originally Posted by Disco

BTW, why do you need to have your window down in winter? Do you enjoy eating lots of beans?

You see, I have this phenominal talent when I remove my front tooth. I can spit tobacco farther than anyone around this part of the county. I like to brag and show it off by spitting it out of the passenger window instead of the easy target of the driver's side...

Originally Posted by Badger1

First off, wow you actually do work!

I know Blake....it's hard to imagine...but it's true. Now, why don't you cross the border and check my battery.... LOL! I had no idea there was 'cold crank' amps... If they are lower, like 550...will it always start still?....but just slower? I don't mind it starting slower...as long as it starts!

Originally Posted by BIG JIM

if you are running the same weight oil that you do in the in mild weather, this could overwork the battery

Yes, I do believe I AM doing this. I've never taken that into consideration before, and have always used the same oil throughout the year. Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

Have your shop do a battery/alternator load test, this will tell all real fast.
As for the window problem, you have to quit rolling it down so much when guys drive by.
Poor Betty, you don't even garage her when you are at work.

I just had my battery check not that long ago when I couldn't get it to start, and it was fine. However, never did take the cold crank amps into consideration. I need to take a ROVER MAINTENANCE 101 class...

Maybe I should leave Betty at home in the garage...you're right Mike... LOL! However, the snow driving won't be as much fun.

[Madeara]

20 below! and I think NY is cold. I use Interstate batteries, my thought or experience is they work very well. I have fears of being broken down, so far my Rover hasn't let me down, I have caught the MANY issues before disaster has struck. I never use my electric windows until my truck is toasty warm and the ice has melted.

I hope you do not get stranded at that 20 below temperature. How do you people live in the midwest?

[kellijo]

Originally Posted by Madeara

I hope you do not get stranded at that 20 below temperature. How do you people live in the midwest?

We do alot of cursing and crying...

[Kevin88RRC]

Originally Posted by kellijo

You see, I have this phenominal talent when I remove my front tooth. I can spit tobacco farther than anyone around this part of the county. I like to brag and show it off by spitting it out of the passenger window instead of the easy target of the driver's side...

If I wasn't already married...... DAMN




Like others have said have the oil changed to a thinner weight.

[kellijo]

Originally Posted by Kevin88RRC

If I wasn't already married...... DAMN

I know..I know...it's a true talent that not many have. I could teach your wife if she is willing to not brush her teeth for an extended period of time... LOL!!!!!!!!! (ok, i seriously need to rethink my humor process sometimes.......for the record, i have all of my teeth)

Originally Posted by Kevin88RRC

Like others have said have the oil changed to a thinner weight.

I'll do that...thanks Kev....

[kellijo]

I broke the handle to open the hood.....could someone please advise me on how to open it?

[rmuller]

uh oh.. see what happens when girls try to work on their trucks!

Jk.. the handle is attached to a cord that runs down to the front.. if you can, try to get a pair of pliers on that cord and pull it towards you.. see if it'll release the hood.