car plugged in but still troubles starting?

[sdiep]

I plugged in my car the entire night yesterday, and this morning, it had troubles starting. It's a 2000 Honda Accord, and usually when I plug it in, it's pretty much fine starting up. Is there a way that I can test to make sure that my wires are working so that the car is really being plugged in? I believe the outlet is working fine. :S

[Kloubek]

You usually can hear a little bit a hum when it gets plugged in.

There isn't much to the wiring - just one +/- wire from the plug - so if it appears connected, the wiring should be fine.

Keep in mind that plugging your car in does nothing to heat the battery. It still gets cold, and still has less amps in cold weather. Even if the rest of your engine is perfectly warm, this could lead to slower cranking when it is really cold out.

[sdiep]

Oh, so plugging it in during cold weather doesn't help with starting it? If I have difficulties starting my car, should I get someone to look at the anti-freeze and battery?

[Kloubek]

Yes, a block heater heats the coolant. And due to heat transfer the oil is generally kept thinner too. The block heater does help a car start easier.

However, a cold battery doesn't put out the standard amps it would if it was warm. It should still be adequate for turning your car over in the cold though - provided it is in good working order.

You didn't mention how slowly it turns over and catches - so I actually suspect you are expecting the vehicle to start as quickly in this -30 degree weather as it does when it is 0 degrees out. This is often not going to be the case - even with a block heater.

You can take the battery to Canadian Tire (or most part stores) and they can do a test on it to see what kind of amps it is putting out. Quick way to rule out the battery as a potential issue.

[kvg]

You can also but a warming battery blanket that you plug in.

[OriginalGoods]

Your battery cold cranking amps are low.

[sdiep]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to look into the battery issue, because that may be the issue.

Where is a good place to buy a battery? And how often do you need to replace them?

[G-ZUS]

I got a civic its cranking but won't turn over with a boost in this weather. What you guys think? On sunday it startes under its own power but when I wen't to start it today after being parked for 5 days it wouldn't start. It's got a quarter tank of gas in it

[crapstixs]

keep in mind this is honda, and hondas have sissy batterys. 400cca woo. its like -30 outside shit is cold, any car is going to crank slow. to test your block heater grab your muiltimeter and test the resistance of it from the cord, it should be about 35ohm's. its going to crank for a bit then catch and run, if it dosent i would look at spark plug gap, wires, cap, rotor.

[Alak]

You can get a device from auto value that checks your block heater. Its called plug alive and has 2 LED lights on it to indicate proper operation. I think they are only $15.

[sneek]

Originally posted by Alak
You can get a device from auto value that checks your block heater. Its called plug alive and has 2 LED lights on it to indicate proper operation. I think they are only $15.

They sell some at Canadian Tire called Plug Alive.

[dooman24]

easier way to check your block heater...

use an ohms meter. measure the resistance at the block heater cord. it should be around 35ohms

[Guillermo]

it sounds like you need to get one of these fuckers:


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