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Car starting trouble... whaaat?
Figgy
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
This morning I went to reach in to start my car before going back inside the get my son, a ritual that gives my car about 2 minutes to "warm up" in the morning. Today, I wasn't really paying attention and let go of the key before the car had fully started, causing it to sputter out. When I went to restart it, it wouldn't start. It tried to turn over and just couldn't. I could almost hear it just about making it, then nothing. It's a 2011 Matrix and in great shape. It was 4 C (40F) outside, so not cold at all. I gave it a minute, put it in neutral, and as it rolled backward it was able to start. Not sure if rolling starts are even a thing in automatic cars, but it's something I had to do a few times with an old manual transmission back in the day. But it worked, and it has started three times today since, no issues.
This exact same thing actually happened to me a few months ago, but I didn't realize it. I was starting the car up very, very early in the morning and experienced the same thing, and eventually got it to start. At the time, I dismissed it as me being inattentive and trying to start the car when it was already running. But now I realize it was the same thing that happened today.
Can engines still flood? Is this just a result of half-starting the car like I did?
Wha happen?
This exact same thing actually happened to me a few months ago, but I didn't realize it. I was starting the car up very, very early in the morning and experienced the same thing, and eventually got it to start. At the time, I dismissed it as me being inattentive and trying to start the car when it was already running. But now I realize it was the same thing that happened today.
Can engines still flood? Is this just a result of half-starting the car like I did?
Wha happen?
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Fun fact, you can clear an engine flood in a fuel injected car the same way you clear a carbureted car. Floor the gas pedal! In a fuel injected car, the computer makes the necessary throttle adjustments to clear the flood.
I'd see if the issue persists, if it's getting more consistent, try removing the spark plugs to see how worn out they are. Bad plugs can lead to a flooding tendency.
Ok cool, thanks.
It's only a few years old but has 140,000 KM on it (87k mi.) because I commute. I wouldn't be surprised if that was something. I've really only taken it for oil changes, brakes and replaced the tires so far. I'm due for an oil change, so I'll have my garage take a look. Won't cost me much more than the cost of the plugs if they need replacing.
What kind of car is it that you're driving? I could take a quick look and see what the manufacturers recommended interval is for the spark plugs.
I think he said in the OP it's a 2011 Toyota Matrix.
Well, letting the car warm up could simply mean let the heater run and make the interior not totally freezing. I've lived places where I had to let my car warm up just so the ice would sheet off the windows. Less about the motor, more about my ability to see through an inch of ice.
Edit: I'd check the battery terminals. They can get loose after a long enough period of time, and can end out with corrosion or debris making the contact sketchy. Just enough to make the noise, not enough to turn the motor over.
There is when you have very young children who don't like ice-cold carseats.
Totally missed this, thanks for pointing it out. Matrix in those years either came with a 1.8L or 2.4L engine. In both cases though, Toyota's first recommended spark plug replacement isn't until 192,000 km (120,000 mi) or 144 months. Must be factory irridium plugs or some such. Probably not your issue.
This. I live in Canada. I'm looking to warm up the car, not warm up the engine. It's been a mild winter this year, but I try to get it at least starting to warm up when I put him in the frigid plastic car seat. And typically you would need to wait a minute or two to get some heat on the windshield to stop it clouding up as you drive.
@BouwsT 2011 Toyota Matrix, 1.8L 4-speed automatic engine.
Thanks everyone, I'll check out the plugs and the battery terminals ASAP. If those both seem fine I'll get a mechanic to take a closer look.
Hmm, nope. Good idea, too.
I see this get bandied about a lot online, and it's totally untrue. Especially in cold temps like 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Start the engine of your car, and ideally wait until the needle on the temp gauge has moved minimum operating temp range before driving the thing. Let your tolerances cose up to at least close to where they are supposed to be before you start putting load on the motor. If you're in a rush, at least try and wait until the needle has moved off dead cold, it shouldn't take more than 30 seconds.
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Sorry, just saw this response. Thanks. We checked the battery and it's apparently okay. I'll follow up if this happens again.
The next time it happens you might also want to do a voltage drop test on the starter circuit if you have a multimeter.
Had it checked for free. Guy said the battery is fine.