Hi. I have a 2000 Protege 1.6 that does not start when it is cold outside. You can hear it wanting to fire on occasion but will not start. I tried flooring the throttle as other posts have suggested but that didn't do anything. It starts fine in the 30F degree mark, today is is -10F and it cranks but won't start. I checked compression 3 of the 4 are close to the 150 psi the other one is 120. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator as it was not holding pressure. Checked fuel pressure of the pump, 80 psi. It is not throwing any codes. The coolant temp reading on the OBDII is right and is the same as the IAT reading. I am picking up plugs tomorrow. The fuel pump relay is not sticking either. Are there resistance values on the ignition coils? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Forgot to mention that plugging in the block heater does not make a difference in the attempted starts. It has a new battery and air filter, all electrical connections are cleaned. It turns over at 200 rpm if I recall right from the scanner.

 

200 rpm is a bit slow while cranking. Cold is a huge enemy of batteries. Does it sound like it is turning over normally or slower than normal? The wrong heat range of spark plug can cause a no start in very cold conditions. It is usually accompanied by excessive carbon on the valves or a weak battery. The best spark plug for that car would be a G-Power NGK platinum plug. 3 bucks apiece.

 

Thanks. I will pick those plugs up. It sounds like it is turning over fine. I load tested the battery as well and it is within spec.

 

have you checked the starter motor and soliniod

 

ya just be carefull youve probably flooded it as I did with mine. You need to take out plugs dry them with air line and blow out cylinders make sure its all dry. The battery should have more than 12v before cranking, obviously ,check, and clean all connections and make sure its fully charged at those temps it doesnt take long to kill a battery... You might have some ice or condensation in fuel...which would make it hard to start. Also make sure the Maf sensor is clean and no snow or crap inside air filter and if so clean it out or replace filter...good luck