When the weather is a combination of very cold.

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 179,000 MILES
When the weather is a combination of very cold and moist air, the car will not start. It will turn over but still not start. The car has no problem in cold dry weather or warm moist weather. You can pop start it with the clutch if you are lucky enough to park on a hill.
Sunday, October 28th, 2012 AT 8:44 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
If it pop starts every time it does not start with the key, then the problem is the ignition switch.

Take note of the Instrument Cluster Warning lights when cranking. The oil & battery lights should remain ON while cranking and
go out once the engine starts. If those lights go OUT while cranking, then the Ignition Circuit is losing power because of a faulty switch.

Otherwise. Ignition Components (over time) in the engine bay get sensitive to moisture that "shorts-out" the ignition spark. Replace
Spark Plug Wires, Car & Rotor & Ignition Coil if older than 5 to 8 years, as preventative maintenance.

Thomas
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
As usual, Tom is dead on. I agree 110%

Roy
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 12:10 PM

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