Cold weather starts... or not...

[Versalicious]

I live in the GTA (Toronto) and yesterday my car threatened to not start. She started no problem, I drove to the Canadian Tire and went in got what I needed and when I came out 10 min later I had to crank the car for a couple minutes before she started. This morning the same thing happened. Prior to yesterday my V has been starting no problem even on the -35(C) days... Anyone else have this problem? I'm thinking maybe the battery is freezing? Any thoughts?

[themanfromvlad]

I've been plugging in the block heater at night, but my car sits in the cold while I'm at work during the day. So far, no problems. In fact, I could swear sometimes it's started a little quicker without the block heater.

Keep us up to date with your car, this is an important issue for cold weather Versa owners.

[michelkenny]

Once I had let my car idle for 10-15 minutes to clear up all the frost that formed after I brought it to the dealer, then I shut it off without driving. The next time I went to start it I had a bit of trouble (had to crank it for a minute or so, give it gas, etc). That was the only time I had trouble... I suspect it is because I let it idle for so long and not drive it, so there was not enough fuel in the system or whatever. Besides that, my car starts no problem (with block heater of course) in the extreme cold we've been getting in Winnipeg.

[Legacy40k]

Speaking of the block heater... is it prewired? and where is the plug for it? I havent actually looked honestly..

[themanfromvlad]

Speaking of the block heater... is it prewired? and where is the plug for it? I havent actually looked honestly..

It's on the left side under the hood (passenger side). The power cord is in some black tubing neatly folded and bound. You'll need to cut the plastic cord that's tying it together. It's ready to go, you just need to plug it in.

[Versalicious]

Since I started this topic everything has been fine, knock on wood, however the weather has warmed up nicely! If there's a major problem I'll be sure to post it!

[stevenjb]

You may wish to switch from Conventional oil to Synthetic oil, as the wax in Conventional oils thicken under cold temperatures resulting in lessened engine protection and hard starting during a cold weather start up resulting in wear (metal to metal) on the engine.

The lubricant molecules in Synthetic oil are of uniform size and distribute through the engine more easily under cold weather conditions; the (synthetic oil) distribution is not impeded by wax found in Conventional oils.

[marleyfan]

One of the retailers here is now carrying Pennzoil Platinum synthetic. Anybody know if this is a good oil? Equivalent to Mobil 1?

[proxim2020]

That's what I use. I got tired of paying the higher prices for the Mobil 1 ($25 a jug) and decided to give the Pennzoil Platinum a try($17 a jug). I've been using it my truck for about 6 months or so and I don't have any complaints yet. It's the only thing that I've put in my V and I don't notice any performance difference between this and the Mobil 1 in the truck.It's supposed to have this new molecule technology that:

"Molecular uniformity of full synthetic formulation to maintain viscosity, for easier start-ups, even in extreme weather conditions (hot and cold)."

I just use it because it's cheaper and it works just as well.

[NewToNissan]

Living in Ottawa, I have had no issues with cold starts and didn't even know there was a block heater installed, or is it I'll have to check

[versa6spd]

this may sound stupid..but the V has a plug in?? Is this with all the V's or certain ones? thanks

[michelkenny]

All Vs in Canada have them. Not sure about the USA.

[proxim2020]

I don't believe the US cars have the option.

[themanfromvlad]

I don't believe the US cars have the option.

You can get block heater as an option in the US. Block heater and heated side mirrors are standard in Canada.
Modified by themanfromvlad at 11:28 AM 2/14/2007

[proxim2020]

After researching you are correct. As far as a factory option, it's not available at the time of order or purchase. But you can request that your dealer order and install one for you. It will most likely be more costly than if it was installed at the factory.

[VersaTN]

I live in Nashville, TN. This morning's temps were the coldest this year. (near 0 degrees). My Versa did not want to start at first. Having only had it a few months, I was surprised by this as I'd never had this issue before. On the third attempt, it started fine and ran fine on my way to work.

Just as a test, I went out a few moments ago to see how it would start - no problem.

I'm hoping that once the weather finally warms up next week, I won't see this problem for a while.

Is anyone aware of a specific issue that might be causing this - other than the fact that it's just @#!! cold outside?

Thanks.

I live in the GTA (Toronto) and yesterday my car threatened to not start. She started no problem, I drove to the Canadian Tire and went in got what I needed and when I came out 10 min later I had to crank the car for a couple minutes before she started. This morning the same thing happened. Prior to yesterday my V has been starting no problem even on the -35(C) days... Anyone else have this problem? I'm thinking maybe the battery is freezing? Any thoughts?

[c5neb]

I know these cars don't have chokes since all is electronic, but I am wondering if the computer is not sensing the temperature correctly. As a result, it is sending misinformation during the start procedure. Just a thought!

[priort]

Perhaps a stupid question but I have found the block heater cord and it appears to have at least 2 pop in connectors and a clip so I assume there is a designated way to route it to the outside. Has anyone attempted this??

[priort]

I have had problems twice now in 2 months. Once after the car sat all night and once after only an hour. It was cold but the car has also started fine after sitting all night at -30c. That is a bit worrisome for a new car.

In each case I just sat for a minute and tried it again and finally it started.

In each case the motor turned over fine but there was no spark or gas by the sound of it.

I am hoping the new drive by wire throttle is not problematic...

I am going to look for any info on this and see what is up.

[Roger_cha]

well i have the same problem too back then... my 240sx cant start on cold weather... or every morning... but i took it to one of my buddy that own a shop and he told me that it might be my fuel pump... then i check my fuel pump and it is clog dont knoe why... so i clean the fuel pump and now it runs fine... check your fuel pump maybe it might be clog or bad....

[pierre]

Hi!

I had that problem with my Versa (SL/CVT). It happened to me 4 times, it didn't seem cold related in my case but more wet weather related. After the 4th time, I had it checked at the dealership.

The thing they checked/did:

Fuel pressure - OKFuel relay - OKClean Throttle BodySelf Idle Learn

Since then, no more starting problem for me. It is hopefully fixed for good.

Pierre

[Versalicious]

I was thinking along the same lines... Since that fateful day it hasn't happened since. Prolly bad gas/tiny bit of water in the tank... I don't remember how much gas there was left.