Hi Guys,
Just recently picked up an LR3, 2008 - 4.4v with 170,000 miles and over the past couple of mornings (32 degree's and lower) I've had a really hard time turning the engine over. I eventually get the vehicle up and running but its after I've tried turning over the engine at least 4-6 times. It seems to only happen when it gets really cold out. Once I get the vehicle going and running for a few minutes I don't have any issues for the rest of the day for it to immediately fire up. The temperature over the last two weeks was in 45 degree + weather in the mornings and my vehicle had no issues immediately starting.

Does anyone have any ideas why my vehicle is having issues starting in the cold? Or any cold start remedies.
I've seen a few videos with the guys with the diesel trucks pour hot water on their engine coolant sensor, but then again I don't have the diesel engine.

I replaced my battery in 2021.
Engine is the 4.4v Jag. Gas.
Year 2008.
Miles: 170,000.

 

You say you have "tried turning over the engine", which means it is not turning over. Correct?

 

Yes you are correct.

 

Do you hear the starter click? If so then more than likely this is a starter issue. The starters themselves are not super reliable (thanks Denso!). But it could easily be a a weak battery or bad ground. There is one particular ground behind the passenger wheel liner that can cause starting issues. For me it was ultimately the starter. Some water crossing did not help it. A new starter took care of the issues. And yes, like you I had tons of starting issues when cold but never later in the day or on warmer days. An no dimming lights inside, etc. when trying.

 

I don’t hear the starter click, and if I do it’s really faint.
Ill have to test my battery. It’s only 3 years old. Maybe the owner didn’t replace it with the right one. Any recommendations on battery brands for this vehicle?

Did your LR3 throw any codes on the dash to indicate a fault with the starter?

I looked up the procedure to replace the starter by other users on this forum and it looks doable but I don’t own a jack and all of the wrenches. Wondering if would be cheaper just to take it to a shop and pay them to replace it.

 

Feels like a dying battery getting drained by the cold.

What's the CCA rating on the battery? You want at least 800

 

I tested my battery with my multi meter it’s reading a little above 12 with the engine off and accessories off. With the engine on it’s around 14.6. I’ll have to check CCA rating.

Its rated at 800

It was around 30 degrees here this morning. Again had to turn the key off and on the ignition at least 5 times to get my vehicle started.
I’d say around the 4th key turn over, I could hear the engine sputter. Then on the 5th try it started right up.

 

What the heck is that crap on the battery contacts? Also we need better number, a little above 12 is not exact enough. Because a battery at standby - which is well after a vehicle is running - should be 12.4 to 12.6. Its amazing what a little less can do to cause issues. Also worried about sputter... that concerns me, can you clarify? Sputter to me means the engine did fire off but somehow stalled.

Maybe your next test to do when it is not starting when cold is a jump from another battery or vehicle to see what happens. A jumper pack would be nice to have.

 

I hooked up my battery to a jumper pack and charged it to 100%. From a cold start same issue. Vehicle wouldn’t start up. I’m taking it to a shop on Thursday for them to diagnose. I’m thinking it’s a starter issue.

 

Solution was inconclusive. NOT the starter.

Took my vehicle to the shop and it wasn't the starter. Here are the notes from the technician. Hope this helps someone.

"TECHNICIAN NOTED THERE WAS A CONNECTION ISSUE AT THE BATTERY - Clean and tightened - Tested the battery, good. Tested the alternator output, good. Performed a starter draw test, never got above 175 amps, pass.
We think the intermittent electrical was due to the connection issue."