Car didn't start this morning. Very Cold!

deep1ca · Post by **deep1ca** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:46 am

So it hit -20 Celsius last night / this morning. My car has never given me problems starting regardless of the temperature, but this morning it didn't start. I could hear the clicking and it was trying to turn over but seemed like there wasn't enough juice. So i'm thinking new battery?
Is there anyway to check or confirm its the battery?
Anything else it could be?

c987long · Post by **c987long** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:49 am

thats about what happened to me. i would agree with the battery problem..

Broken Glass · Post by **Broken Glass** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:46 am

get the battery tested..

excon · Post by **excon** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:55 pm

I've had the click of death before. The clicking is your starter doing its job. Jump it (which should get it started) and get another battery.

Post by **occasional demons** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:49 pm

Before you hook cables to it be sure it isn't frozen. Jumping a frozen battery can be hazardous to your looks. If the plates are pushed together from the ice, it will short internally. Putting full voltage to it gives it enough umph to create a spark in a hydrogen rich environment. A fully charged battery generally won't freeze, but if it is weak or dead it will. I just loosen the hold down and rock it good to see if it has any sloshing. If it doesnt disconnect, thaw, and have it checked for internal resistance before attempting to charge. AGM type batteries shouldn't have this issue. So if it is an Optima or the like you should be a bit safer as far as jumping.

deep1ca · Post by **deep1ca** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 12:41 am

The car eventually started without a boost. I tried starting it twice around 9am with no luck. I tried again at around 3pm, it was still just as cold but the car had been sitting in the sun all day....and it started. So im guessing its just the battery being old and being in a deep freeze sorta state. Time for a new battery I suppose.