AndyK

I left my 944 out in the train parking lot all day yesterday, and the temps were in the low 20's. When I came home, and tried to start the car, I got the usual starting motor/engine turning over, but no start on the first try. Tried again, and the battery seemed to be lower, and the starting motor strained. Third time, even worse. So I waited 5 minutes, and tried again. After cranking for about a minute, it fired up (very rough), and eventually ran fine (even though it felt like my car was mad at me for leaving it in the cold).

Question is, could the DME get too cold, causing it to stick in the off possition (or whatever)? Or is it just cold taking away battery juice? Any ideas? It's even colder today, and my car is waiting for me at the station!

apierce918

i think it would be more weak battery than a freezing DME, how many CCA does your current battery have do you know?

AndyK

Uh...have no idea. It's an International Die Hard. Checked out fine 6 months ago.
Is there a "better" battery I should get?

icat

Heat is the enemy of electronic circuitry - not cold. I seriously doubt that 20 degree temps would have any effect on a properly functioning DME (notice I said properly functioning). Batteries on the other hand are rated by CCA (cold cranking amps) among other things. I'd look there first. Best of luck!

triscadek

What kind of oil are you running? Mine will do that when it gets to 20's - 'teens.

AndyK

I'm running Mobile 1 15/50

Oddjob

Definitely wont freeze the DME - unless it was filled with water, and then you have other problems.... I know Ive started one or more of mine in sub zero weather more than once over the years.

The starter will draw more amps to turn over the cold engine (with very thick, viscous oil), so sounds more like a weak battery.

And I would use 10-30 or even 5-30 in the winter.

SoCal Driver

Check to see if you have an after market terminal on the positive cable(s) at the battery. These corrode and restrict the flow of the happy little electrons.

StoogeMoe

Andy,

I switched to Mobil 1 0W40. It was -7 at my house this morning and it fired right up. Ran a little rough but that was because it sat for over a week. The 15W50 is a bit like molasses at these temps. Battery may also be getting weak, like a weak back. How long have you had it? Oh about a week back.

AndyK

Ha! Ba-dum-bum!

Is that ZERO w 40, or 10W40? If the lighter weight 15w50 is molasses like, would that hurt my engine if/when I start and run it cold?? Is there a good all-year oil weight?

And what is the best battery to buy with the highest cold start power?

StoogeMoe

Yes, that is ZERO w 40. I had the same dilemna as you wanting a year round oil (very convenient). I just feel the 15W50 is too heavy for the winters here. And yes, I'm concerned about that oil flowing well in these frigid temps. So now I run the 0W40 in the winter (Nov-Apr) and the 15W50 in the summer. I have had no issues with oil pressures or leaks or anything with the 0W40. Maybe give it a try for a winter and see how you like it.

StoogeMoe

Oh yeah, and the battery question. I don't know about the best, but I just went to Sears and got their Die Hard for European cars. It was like $120. I have always had good luck with their batteries so I keep going back for more.

apierce918

mine is only 560 CCA but i can tell it struggles a little. 650 should be good as long as it has top posts and fits in the tray

Granite 944

I too, would check and clean all battery connections, first thing. Ya gotta get the mostest ya can from the battery, especially in cold weather. When was the last time the connections on the starter were looked at? Might go there too.

triscadek

Synthetic oil shouldnt thicken in the cold though.