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Car runs like crap in cold weather

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dtowncats
  • Start date Start date Jan 11, 2004
D

Dtowncats

New Member
Jun 2, 2003
340
0
0
York, PA
Jan 11, 2004
#1
  • Jan 11, 2004
  • #1
My car has been acting up ever since it has gotten cold out. It doesn't want to stay started in the mornings. My headlights get brighter when i give it some gas. Does this have something to do with the alternator? There are also odd noises here and there. Also how hard is it to change u-joints? Should I just change the back since they are bad or should I change the front too? I will be doing this in a couple days so im just getting prepared awhile. Thanks ahead of time for any responses.
 

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
Jan 11, 2004
#2
  • Jan 11, 2004
  • #2
Replace both front and rear u-joints while you are there. If one is about to go, the other won't be far behind.
As far as your car running worse in cold weather, it could really be a lot of things. ACT (air charge temperature) sensor comes to mind, but instead of just guessing at stuff, either take the car to a shop that can run a diagnostic and see what codes are popped, or get a code scanner of your own.
 

willys1

Active Member
Dec 2, 2003
1,004
1
36
New Jersey
Jan 11, 2004
#3
  • Jan 11, 2004
  • #3
Dude,get a total tune-up!I just did it to my stang and it made a world of difference in idling,performance,and real cold starts!
 
D

Dtowncats

New Member
Jun 2, 2003
340
0
0
York, PA
Jan 12, 2004
#4
  • Jan 12, 2004
  • #4
So what is involved in a total tune-up?
 

The Shape

Founding Member
Jan 11, 2002
2,224
8
49
East ARKANSAS Delta
Jan 12, 2004
#5
  • Jan 12, 2004
  • #5
Plugs, Wires, Cap, Rotor, Fuel Filter, PCV valve. Change/Clean air filter. Also never hurts to check your timing.
 

willys1

Active Member
Dec 2, 2003
1,004
1
36
New Jersey
Jan 12, 2004
#6
  • Jan 12, 2004
  • #6
What he said
 
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