Cold temps=no start

[mudnyreye]

I have an '89 4cyl auto, that i use as my DD. Starts fine above 30 deg. Below 30 nothing. If I jump it it fires right up. Swapped battery with a yellow top, replaced pos cable, tried the neutral safety switch... nothing until the outside temp rises enough, then it fires right up. What is going on? Is this a common problem?

 

[toy4xfun]

does it start when you swapped in the yellow top?
i would look at a bad battery. but am not sure i have not had a problem like that with mine.

 

[Jukelemon]

Lets dig down a bit.

Starting and cranking are two different things. Does it always crank and then just not start below 30?

 

[mudnyreye]

Does not crank. starts fine when it cranks.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Next cold day with a non-start I'd check what the actual voltage at the small wire on the starter is when you turn the key. Old wire + cold = increased resistance and strain on the battery, at some point it's not going to be enough to kick the solenoid into action...

 

[Jukelemon]

Also, you mentioned replacing the POS cables. The NEG/Ground is just as important and cheap to replace.

Go ahead and replace that as well.

 

[mudnyreye]

Her is another twist..This morning, temp above 32, truck starts, get on the hiway and the speedo goes nuts. later today, it was fine.... Bad Computer???

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Pretty sure your 89 has a cable speedo, not an electric one.... I'd bet the cold was messing with it. Giving it a stutter inside the cable housing, so the needle jumped all over the place...

 

[cranky steve]

Common problem as our trucks age.
See this fix:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=287065&highlight=starter+relay+fixstarter relay fix