BMW 740 il. Like a princess in the cold, will not crank

Tiny
740IL
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BMW 740
  • 4.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Ok, cold weather, below 20. No longer in a garage and she will not crank, warm it up cranks and starts.

Left outside in the cold and will not crank, I have never had a car be so temperamental.

Now it can crank when left outside after it used, but left in the cold for more than say 6 hours and will not crank, always a wonderful moment when she is last in the driveway.

What could cause that?
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Sunday, February 15th, 2015 AT 9:49 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 684 POSTS
There is a few things that could cause this.
When the engine is cold and ambient temperatures are cold (below freezing) a larger demand is placed on the starter motor. So make sure the battery connections are solid and clean. You shouldn't be able to move the battery terminal clamps by hand. If battery terminal clamps are good and the battery is the right one and in good condition. I would seem to me the starter is not able to crank the engine at these cold ambient temperatures.

The other issue is a sensor issue which if the check engine light is not on, then it is going to be difficult trying to find the issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 16th, 2015 AT 5:20 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links