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90 GMQ Won't crank in cold weather

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    #1

    90 GMQ Won't crank in cold weather

    It's a cold one here in Ohio, below zero, I think I was 5 years old the last time it was this cold. I had a hell of a time yesterday getting into my car because the door kept freezing shut and 3 times I had to dump hot water on it to get it open (note to self, grease EVERYTHING when weather gets warmer)

    ANYWAYS, I called off work today because my 90 Grand Marquis won't even crank. I turn the key and hear a single err noise. Disappointment. Come on trusty Bison, you're supposed to be reliable.
    Shivering Grand Marquis- "f-f-f-fucck you it's COLD"

    I turned the key to the on position to hopefully give it some time to build up fuel pressure and even tried turning on the lights for a minute to warm up the battery (I read this online, I don't stand behind it, I just gave it a shot).

    I only know of a few possible causes for this. Maybe a bad starter or bad solenoid, but I don't think that would be caused by cold weather. The last few times I've had my battery checked they always say it looks fine but I know it's not a brand new one. I would say that maybe the battery is freezing up but it seems like everything has power. Could it be the alternator? I've been reading up on a 3g swap...

    If Canadians can drive through this shit all the time I should at least be able to get into my car and get it started!

    Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciate as always, Thanks and stay warm!

    Tags: None
    #2
    Yeah the more I read the more I think it's the battery or starter motor.

    Comment

      #3
      An aging battery will let you know its getting old when the temperature takes a dive. My truck was a very slow cranker this morning. Took a few short bursts at the key to get things loosened up, all the while hoping the battery holds up. Once it was able to put a bit of spin into things she fired right up. (-27ºC this morning).

      Comment

        #4
        my 88 didn't wanna crank this morning... but after the oil started to flow, it complained less.

        also, engine block heater is pretty much a requirement for some of the cold y'all are having up there.

        Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
        rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

        Originally posted by gadget73
        ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

        Originally posted by dmccaig
        Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.

        Comment

          #5
          It is your battery.

          Use talc powder on the rubbers.
          ~David~

          My 1987 Crown Victoria Coupe: The Brown Blob
          My 2004 Mercedes Benz E320:The Benz

          Originally posted by ootdega
          My life is a long series of "nevermind" and "I guess not."

          Originally posted by DerekTheGreat
          But, that's just coming from me, this site's biggest pessimist. Best of luck

          Originally posted by gadget73
          my car starts and it has AC. Yours doesn't start and it has no AC. Seems obvious to me.



          ​

          Comment

            #6
            Put a drop light with a 25w bulb near the battery if its too cold. That will keep the battery warmer and produce more current. Just make sure its not somewhere that it will melt anything. Basically your battery is marginal and you might have overly thick oil. If its 20w50, thats no good for this sort of temperature. Marginal battery connections will also not do you any favors. There is less power available when its cold, and the thicker oil requires more power to pump, so crappy battery cables will be even worse.
            86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
            5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

            91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

            1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

            Originally posted by phayzer5
            I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

            Comment

              #7
              My GM is a completely different vehicle when it gets under about 7 degrees here... it cranks noticeably slower, acc. belt squeals a bit (at least before I deleted the smog) and the power steering pump is loud. I honestly don't think my old batteries/wire terminals would have cut it out here.. making me thankful I'm running the right oil and an optima yellow top.
              1991 Grand Marquis LS blog- Mayhem; two 12" Kenwood 800w subs, True dual catback, BBK shorties, cherrybombs, steel top, L/H hella lights, 18" AR Torq thrust, Trans cooler, class 3 hitch kit, more on the way...

              Comment

                #8
                my car battery also doesnt wanna crank in the cold gonna put a kinetik in there so i never have to deal with that again i also got a brand new starter solenoid if you wanna buy it. I accidentally ordered two when i broke mines...

                Comment

                  #9
                  What are we talking about here? A no crank? A slow crank? No start? If you're starter is not cranking, it's either the starter relay, corrosion on battery terminals, wire terminals at starter relay or starter, or a very slim likelihood that it is your ignition switch. My car is suffering a no crank currently and I have to jump the starter relay with a screwdriver. That's how you'll know you've got a starter relay problem. If you jump the two main posts and it cranks, you've got a bad relay or corroded terminals. Clean the terminals. If that doesn't work, replace. Good luck.
                  87' Lincoln Town Car Stars + Stripes. Explorer GT40P, Anderson B31 Cam, Shorty Headers, FRPP 1.6 Rockers, A9L, Sn95 T5 Trans, 3:55 Limited Slip, GNX Rear Springs, LSC Turbines, 1.5 wheelspacers, Full Custom Dual 2.5/Flowmasters, 00 P71 Airtube, 19lb calibrated Maf, Summit Alum Radiator, King Cobra Clutch, Short throw Shfter, Energy Susp Trans Mount,
                  Mods to come: Big Brake/Poly Front Swap, PI Front Swaybar, Addco 650 Rear Swaybar, Boxed Upper Rear Control Arms, 351/Alum Heads, FRPP Valve Covers,

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by 87stars_stripes View Post
                    What are we talking about here? A no crank? A slow crank? No start?
                    Originally posted by BuffaloRider View Post
                    It's a cold one here in Ohio, below zero, I think I was 5 years old the last time it was this cold. I had a hell of a time yesterday getting into my car because the door kept freezing shut and 3 times I had to dump hot water on it to get it open (note to self, grease EVERYTHING when weather gets warmer)

                    ANYWAYS, I called off work today because my 90 Grand Marquis won't even crank. I turn the key and hear a single err noise. Disappointment. Come on trusty Bison, you're supposed to be reliable.
                    Shivering Grand Marquis- "f-f-f-fucck you it's COLD"
                    Read before posting.
                    Originally posted by gadget73
                    There is nothing more permanent than a temporary fix.
                    91 Mercury CP, Lopo 302, AOD, 3.08LSD. 3g upgrade, Moog wagon coils up front, cc819s in the back. KYB GR-2 police shocks. Energy suspension control arm bushings. Smog deleted.
                    93 F-150 XLT, 302, ZF 5-spd from 1-ton, 4wd.
                    Daily--07 Civic Coupe. Bone stock with 25k miles
                    Wife--14 Subaru Outback. 6-speed.
                    95 Subaru Legacy Wagon--red--STOLEN 1/6/13

                    Comment

                      #11
                      It started up in the afternoon with some hesitation. Battery cables are new and have no corrosion. It's probably about time for a new battery, a good one. I think I'll add starting system upgrades to my list of shit to do once it gets warmer as well. Should be above zero tomorrow so I'll probably pick up a new battery after work as long as I can get there and back.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by BuffaloRider View Post
                        If Canadians can drive through this shit all the time I should at least be able to get into my car and get it started! Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciate as always, Thanks and stay warm!
                        A new battery is a wise investment. Even better if a warranty is included. Most Canadians aren't driving box Panthers.
                        '79 Continental Town Car
                        '90 Crown Victoria LTD
                        '94 Crown Victoria

                        Comment

                          #13
                          During this Polar Vortex I just bring the battery inside. Then just drop it back in and connect the cables, forget the hold down for now.

                          The temps around here are insanely cold but are only temporary.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Yup.

                            Replaced my own battery on my 1990 just yesterday: 4 year old napa gold pro rated at $50, so not a bad deal.

                            It was kindof funny: my sister had to use it one night, and it didn't crank. Well, I knew it had been sitting and was slow... but it worked for me just 2 days prior.
                            So the next morning she needed it for real and aaa came out and jumped it. She gets to the garage at work, parks, tries again-- no start.

                            So the next day we go out with cables prepared to move it from the garage, and voila-- it just works for me! Not even all that slow.

                            What a difference 10 degrees can make,
                            between -5 and 5 F
                            night and day, between slow but sure cranking, and just *click*, 10 degrees makes.

                            Two days later I need to go to work and it's -15 in the AM and no crank... guess she wasn't lying. Ignition itself is very sticky, power steering is stiff once it's running, etc. etc.
                            So I get a new battery yesterday.

                            If I were in baltimore this battery would last another 3 years I'm sure, but I NEED it to start in the morning for work, so, do what you gotta do and replace the battery if you can't be always jumping it until the weather warms.


                            Also having troubles with a squealing belt, maybe a sticking booster check valve, and an idle screw that needed to be bumped up so our 1989 wouldn't stall out in this weather.
                            I miss last winter!!
                            Last edited by BerniniCaCO3; 01-08-2014, 05:31 AM.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Louis View Post
                              During this Polar Vortex I just bring the battery inside. Then just drop it back in and connect the cables, forget the hold down for now.

                              The temps around here are insanely cold but are only temporary.
                              thats what i've been doing. put a bottle of heet in the gas tank,bring the battery inside.

                              I even cobbled up a isulation box from house blue foam to wrap around the battery.

                              s.e. indiana
                              1981 ltd 302v8 w/ vv carb

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