is it normal for our cars to be hard to start when it is really cold outside, like these past few days? my car took a few tries to get it started today.

Mine did once about a month ago. and I have a half litre more displacement than you! heheh...

I am running mobil 1 synth also...

RawCode

that's happened to my car sometimes...

Happens to me too. Although if I remember to plug in, it doesn't.

Try this: when starting your WRX, especially when it's cold - turn the key to the ON position (the last key position before the starter engages) and let it set for 3 seconds.

After three seconds - turn the key the rest of the way - and you should be fine.

If you turn off all your heater/radio/etc - you can hear the WRX fuel pump pressurize during that first three seconds.

Since I've been doing this with my WRX, I've had no problems what-so-ever with very quick starts.

Let me know how it works for other people out there.

Joe

I do the three second thing and I still have a hard time starting when it is really cold. It's supposed to be 25 below tonght. It better warm up or I'll have to dress warm for the meet. Winslow

You Las Anchores guys are talking cold!? If it's really cold it ain't gonna start, not unless it was plugged in. Interestingly, the WRX owner's manual says something about giving it some throttle while cranking for cold weather starts. I haven't had to try it yet, but never try to start w/o plug-ins if it's below minus 10 or so. The best of cars will start down to minus thirty, but they make some horrible noises doing so. Y'all have a good meet.

I recall a post some time back that refered to the fact the WRX has a lightweight battery, which of course implies limited cold weather cranking capacity.

The subaru manual #1 General Information, lists the stock battery as being:

MT 48AH res. cap. 99 min cold cranking 356 amps
AT 52AH res cap. 111 min cold cranking 420 amps

I will probably go to a higher capacity battery if I have any start problems.


I'm sure your already using a light synthetic oil like mobil 1 5W 30. If not that will be a big help. I have been using it for about 15 years and haven't killed a starter or battery since the switch.

I also disabled the daytime running lights which will make it easier for the alternator to keep the battery charged in short drive situations.

Unfortuantly, we haven't had any decent cold weather here, although it should get down into the single digits soon. So far the coldest start I've had to make with the WRX is cold soaked all night at about 20 deg F. and I did notice it cranked a bit longer than I expected, and is why I pulled the running light module.

Larry

True, CCA is low on the OEM battery, engine doesn't crank very fast below zero. Even so, I made it thru 5 years on the OEM battery with my last Impreza, but like I say, I plug it in if cold.

I have been putting in Diehard Golds in the vehicles I have had. They work excellent. I think they are about 900 cca. I have had one in my 91 prelude for over 6 years and didn't ever have a problem with it. I never plugged it in, due to the fact that I bought the car in Hawaii and didn't come with a block heater. In fact it didn't even have a heater. I found out the first winter I drove the car here. Anyways I have an Optima in the RS right now and hopefully I'll be putting one in the WRX too. I think about 800 cca.