Tough Cold Starting

[KelvinVV]

Recently, since its been close to 0 degrees for the past 2 weeks, my car has been a little finicky about starting. In the warmer months, it would start right up with the flick of the key, but now I have to hold the key in the start position for a second or two until it fires up. Is this the fault of the battery, or some things that need to be replaced? My gut has been telling me that the battery needs to be replaced, but I'm not for certain.


Also, I've been looking at this little gadget and thinking its quite the deal, since its only about 20 bucks. It basically just plugs right in and you get about another half an amp out of the alternator. The page claims that I could have brighter headlights, faster heated seats and rear defrost, as well as more power from my stereo. I'm thinking about purchasing it just to see if its really worth it.

Here's the link:
http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/p/2 ... oster.aspx


--Thanks

[gweg_b]

My battery is good. Instant start in warm weather. But as it has gotten colder, I've had to hold the key a little longer. With these obscene temperatures, I think it's normal for a car to take a little longer to crank. Me LeSabre has always been the same way, even after it got a new starter and battery.

[BonnieBoy08]

It would be worth a shot for that money. Seems to have decent reviews. I don’t know about the heated seat claim though, its technology more than anything. The ones on my mom’s ’07 Grand Prix heat up quite a bit faster than mine. Most places will test your battery for free. I usually just let them go until they are completely dead though. Don’t like to spend the money sooner than I have to. I thought my battery was getting weak last year already and its still going. Cars definitely take longer to crank over in the cold. Started mine when it was -16 one morning and it took a solid 3 seconds to fire I bet. Its normal. I think part of it may be the long run of wire from the battery to starter, longer the wire the more voltage loss. I’d say you have nothing to worry about. When it is cold like this an occasional bottle of alcohol in the tank never hurts either. Monday morning will be the real test for me, forecasted low of -32 degrees! The governor just shut down k-12 schools statewide on Monday because of it. I’m ok with cold, but 64 degrees below freezing is a little excessive lol.

[KelvinVV]

I did go ahead and buy the Voltage Booster, and when it gets delivered, I'll let you guys know if its worth the money! Sure hope it is, I could definitely use the faster heated windows and such in this type of weather!

[bobgto65]

Sorry for being the skeptic but I am not sure why anyone would want to install this or what purpose it serves. Your electrical devices run fine on 12V (battery voltage with the engine off) and the factory alternator puts out 14.6 volts. and when you start your car cold, it will not help it start faster nor boost the voltage until the car has already started and is running (the alternator is turning too slow to boost voltage until you are at idle). Making the voltage 15.2 volts will make your lights brighter and they will also burn out faster. I don't think it will harm the electronic components of your car (entertainment, modules, etc) because most of them are regulated down to 12 volts. And I don't think it will create a significant increase in the amp hour rating of your alternator or charge your battery faster. It may also create radio frequency interference and cause static on a radio. If there was and advantage to doing this the car manufacturers would set the alternator output at 15.2 volts from the factory. But heh, I bet there are a lot more magnets sold that go around the fuel line to increase your gas mileage by 20%. And it definitely will help the seller make money.

To help cold starts, in really cold weather you should keep you gas tank full or close to it so there is less condensation and making sure you use E-10 gas to absorb the water. And if you use synthetic oil, it may not thicken up as much as conventional 5W-30 so it will make the engine easier to turn. Finally for real frigid weather if your car is parked outside, an engine block heater is available.

[nos4blood70]

It's normal for a car to need a little bit more time to start in the cold. My car cranks a little bit slower in the winter but still starts right up.

Sorry for being the skeptic but I am not sure why anyone would want to install this or what purpose it serves. Your electrical devices run fine on 12V (battery voltage with the engine off) and the factory alternator puts out 14.6 volts. and when you start your car cold, it will not help it start faster nor boost the voltage until the car has already started and is running (the alternator is turning too slow to boost voltage until you are at idle). Making the voltage 15.2 volts will make your lights brighter and they will also burn out faster. I don't think it will harm the electronic components of your car (entertainment, modules, etc) because most of them are regulated down to 12 volts. And I don't think it will create a significant increase in the amp hour rating of your alternator or charge your battery faster. It may also create radio frequency interference and cause static on a radio. If there was and advantage to doing this the car manufacturers would set the alternator output at 15.2 volts from the factory. But heh, I bet there are a lot more magnets sold that go around the fuel line to increase your gas mileage by 20%. And it definitely will help the seller make money.

I have the ZZP voltage booster installed. I can confirm that the seats both warm up faster and get warmer overall. Windows speed up a bit too. Nothing crazy, but still noticeable. Maybe the lights are incrementally brighter but I haven't really noticed. Rear defrost seems to work quicker as well. I agree, it does not help with starting the car because it isn't operating at the time. I have no extra radio static either.

It's a cool little gadget, but I don't think I'd pay for one. I found mine on a Grand Prix in a junkyard and got it for free, no harm done. Make you sure you get the stage 1 only! Stage 2 will mess with things.

[KelvinVV]

Yeah I ordered the Stage 1.

I dont really think it will be some almighty super device, but for only 17 odd dollars, I didnt think it could hurt much. And if it really screws with things, I could just send it back for a refund or some sort of store credit.

[DaMaroon]

What Bob says. Also don't forget if you're sending more power to components they are going to be making more heat. Good &/or bad in winter but with out a doubt not good in warm weather. May shorten the life of components. Don't forget you're sending more power to the failure prone IP lights too.

[nos4blood70]

I think you'll like it. The seats are warm before the heat even comes on. Many of the GP guys use them without problems.

[KelvinVV]

Just got it this morning. It installed crazy easy, only took about 5 seconds and it was in. I havnt had the chance to drive around with it yet, but while scrolling through the DIC, I did notice that it was up already and everything was working fine. I'll give a better review when I get the chance to test it out a little better.

[BonnieBoy08]

What are your final thoughts on this? Worth the money? What kind of voltage are you showing on the DIC?

[KelvinVV]

I guess for $17 dollars, it would be worth the money, but just barely. I'd feel more comfortable paying $15 for it. It does help the seats warm up a little faster, and the lights are a tiny bit brighter, but you would have to point it out to notice it. Definitely a decent cheap little mod.