Starter won't turn over when cold outside

[rustyranger88]

I recently installed a remote starter in my '88 2.9 V6 ranger. I didn't cut any wires. I only cut away the insulation and soldered the remote wires on and then taped them up.

It started fine, but 4 days later it was a very cold -10C outside and when I turned the key the warning lights came on but the starter didn't do anything. So I rocked the truck back & forth while in gear and then it started.

It did this for the next 3 mornings and nights in the cold until the last day I couldn't "trick" the starter to work. Today it's +12 and it starts fine.

Does anyone think this could be more than a starter issue, or should I just get a new starter?

Thanks.

 

[adsm08]

I think this could be a battery issue.

The colder a battery gets the less power it can produce. -10C is a cold condition, and it's possible that it just needs a new one.

I use an under-rated battery because my truck sits a lot and lower rated batteries don't die as fast when they are sitting. mine does the same thing when it gets down around -2C.

There is a chance that the remote start is causing a draw on the battery, the best test of that is to put a quick connect terminal on the neg terminal, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes then stick and amp meter on the disconnect terminal and disconnect it.

Be careful not to break the meter connection. It should read no more than 20 miliamps. If it does, start pulling fuses one by one, don't replace them as you go, until the reading drops off. Then figure out what that fuse was for and come one back.

 

[Nhaz]

Minus 10C isn't really all that cold for a battery, unless its already weak.

At minus 10C you can expect metals to shrink some. This includes the metal on the battery terminals, And the leads. Causing a poor or bad connection under load.

Anyways I suspect a lose connection at the battery terminal or on the starter itself. Its always possible its elsewhere too.

Start at the battery terminal Pull them off look for white/green corrosion clean it up if you see any and clamp it back on.

Since its starting when warm, and not when cold, that's what I consider the clue on this one.

 

[rustyranger88]

Thanks guys I'll try your suggestions tomorrow.