its cold, my car wont start, any suggestions?

[LastKnight]

im at college, so i dont have the option of plugging in the block heater unfortunatley, any ideas?

its a 97 pontiac sunfire, so not like its too old but it is getting to the point that temps below 15 are giving it some trouble.

-LK

[NightTrain]

1. Have you checked the battery? Perhaps it needs a jump.

If that doesn't work, your car may need an alternator. Mine goes through them once every 2-3 years.

[Dr.Phool]

4. I used to have a Caddy

That whenever it got really cold, the grase in the starter would freeze. I had to crawl under it and run a propane torch over the starter a couple of times.

[LastKnight]

5. battery is relativley new, so i dont t hink its that. nt

[vet 65 69]

6. go to your parts

store advance,auto zone,o'rilley but not wal=mart. what ever have them check the battery they will put one on free if it needs it

[Bluzmann57]

2. New battery, anti freeze

and oil change. In other words, winterize. This type of stuff isn't all that expensive and really needs to be done. Battery about 50 bucks, radiator flush probably about 70 or 80 dollars and oil change is around $25. So for around $200, you should be good for winter.

[goodboy]

3. get beer, stay home.

I'm on my way over.

[meisje]

7. The government has disabled our cars!!

Damn them!!!!

[Erika]

8. It may be condensation

Rather than using a product like "heet", pour in a 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol into the tank.

[MichiganVote]

9. Add dry gas, start it with a jump and drive it to the station

Make sure you start it each day and keep your gas up at about 1/2 a tank. Make sure you get the oil changed regularly. In the event of severe cold, start it a couple times a day.

[LastKnight]

11. it drove almost 300 miles yesterday, i filled the tank right after

its sittin on full, so i dont know what else i can do.

-LK

[wellstone dem]

10. Coming from Minnesota my advice is

when it does start, don't kiss it in gratitude, your lips might stick to the car.



(edited to correct the typing error of my cold frozen fingers.)

[LastKnight]

12. lol thanks, ill keep that in mind. nt

[vet 65 69]

14. have parts store check the alternator

sounds like the battery not getting a full charge

[ironflange]

13. Have you changed the oil lately?

If so, was it 5W30? Anything heavier will goo up like a Slurpee when it gets cold. My old Aerostar has had the oil changed every 3000 mi., 5W30, and I don't have to ever plug it in, even when it's -30 out there. VROOOMMMM! Actually, I know it wouldn't make any difference, because the block heater is busted.

[Canadian Socialist]

15. You'll have to be a wee bit more precise

Is it grinding or is there no ignition at all. What I mean is, does it sound like it wants to turn over but can't? If so, then battery/alternator. If nothing then new starter needed. Does it have one of those old carburators under the air filter? Try taking the air filter cover off, opening up one of valves and holding it open (I've used a screwdriver), then trying. Good luck. Oh and gas line antifreeze is a must!

[Thor_MN]

16. Clean the battery posts and cables, have them check the plug wires

If you have never replaced the plug wires, they are about 8 years old and probably due....