Sub Zero Starting Problems
7 posts
Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by blueliberty on 18-07-10 02:35 PM Every time we go down to the snow or somewhere sub zero, our 2000 Liberty sedan refuses to start in the morning. CEL comes on and it wont fire. I have done a bit of trouble shooting with it and it would seem that in may have something to do with the encoder near the ignition (or at least that is my theory). The reason I came to that conclusion is that when judicious heat, say from a fan heater via an extension cord, was applied in the vicinity of the column, it fired up almost straight away >read a minute or two<. Last weekend whilst down the snow it predictably happened again. The NRMA guy was next to useless and could only suggest a tow. We got rid of him and wound up pushing the car around until the sun was on the steering column area and waited a couple of minutes and lo and behold, the CEL went out and bang! away she went. Damn lucky it wasn't a powder day as we missed first lift by an hour due to this. OK all you Subugurus out there, has anyone heard of this happening before? Is this a common fault and anyone know an easy fix (apart of course from carrying an inverter and fan heater in the car). |
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Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by 2.5_liberty on 19-07-10 12:06 AM i could only suggest there is something wrong with your cold start or spark plugs? |
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Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by BigWillieStyles on 19-07-10 02:42 PM Subarus dont like the cold much. Sometimes my car takes a few seconds to start in freezing temps. I assumed it was the battery showing signs of age though. Ive had issues with batteries in previous cars freezing up in cold weather. I would suggest trying a different battery, then perhaps plugs and wires. |
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Legacy GT-B |
Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by blueliberty on 19-07-10 06:18 PM
Definitely not the plugs. The problem seems to emanate from the vicinity of the steering column. After speaking to a few suby dealers, who incidentally have not heard of an issue such as this, I believe that it may be something to do with the transponder. It is going to be a hard one to prove though as it only occurs below zero. One of the suby dealers suggested popping in and checking the fault codes that were generated during the problem, which may point to the offending item. It is certainly a quirky problem! lol I guess that I will find out sooner or later. I was hoping that someone had experienced the same problem but am feeling now that I am Robinson Crusoe on this one. Time will tell I guess. Perhaps I am the only suby driver that takes it to the snow (not!!). |
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Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by blueliberty on 19-07-10 06:24 PM
Thanks Big Willie for your input. It is not the battery as it cranks at a good speed. The engine even initially gives a little fire but then cuts out (identical to what the car does if you try and start it with a key without the transponder encoder in it). The car will then just crank with the CEL on and flashing until the ambient temperature inside the car gets to a stage where it gets over its little hissy fit and decides to behave. It all seems to be related to something inside the car as it doesn't do it when you are parked during the day in say perisher carpark at sub zero temps because of the radiant heat generated by the sun inside the cabin of the car. Pretty weird I know and boring as batsh1t to most but still an annoying problem. |
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Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by blueliberty on 30-07-10 09:37 AM Well it would seem that I am "Robinson Crusoe" on this problem. Mods can close this one if they like. |
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Re: Sub Zero Starting Problems |
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by blueliberty on 30-08-10 05:38 PM OK the problem has been found after the latest snow trip. It was the transponder aerial ring (according to the fault code). Part costs in Oz $280.50. + fitting. Does anyone know anywhere else cheaper and reliable to get parts o/s? PS Picture this... snow covered empty large carpark (wont say which one but I think most will guess). Enter 1 little blue subaru. Just a little fun! Not for too long. Anyway back to the thread. If any one can help out with any websites that would be great. |
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