Cold weather causing problems?

Stangston · Jan 8, 2004

I have a 99' GT, and I haven't had any problems with it. Well, last night the temperatures got down to about -2 degrees F with high winds, and being covered in snow/ice, the car was frozen solid.

So, today I started the car (it was about 10 degrees), and it BARELY started. The battery has never been replaced and is about 5 years old. Is this normal for batteries of all ages at these temps, or if I buy a new one, will it start more confidently in cold weather?

The other more bizarre problem was fan noise. I've never had any strange noise coming from the AC/heating system before the deep freeze. But now there is a high-pitched grinding noise (it sounds like a high-speed power screwdriver) coming from the vents. Does anyone have a possible reason why coldness could affect this, or is this probably a random problem?

Thanks.

jadesville · Jan 8, 2004

Stangston said:
I have a 99' GT, and I haven't had any problems with it. Well, last night the temperatures got down to about -2 degrees F with high winds, and being covered in snow/ice, the car was frozen solid.

So, today I started the car (it was about 10 degrees), and it BARELY started. The battery has never been replaced and is about 5 years old. Is this normal for batteries of all ages at these temps, or if I buy a new one, will it start more confidently in cold weather?

The other more bizarre problem was fan noise. I've never had any strange noise coming from the AC/heating system before the deep freeze. But now there is a high-pitched grinding noise (it sounds like a high-speed power screwdriver) coming from the vents. Does anyone have a possible reason why coldness could affect this, or is this probably a random problem?

Thanks.

If your battery is 5 years old, its time for a new one. It's not an uncommon thing for batteries to have a hard time in the freezing temperatures, especially when its that old..To make a long answer short, yes a new battery will help start it up in cold weather..

As for the high pitched grinding noise coming from your heating/ac system, never heard of that before

Stangston · Jan 8, 2004

Alright, I think I'll get a new battery. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm glad someone else is up with me through the night.

jadesville · Jan 8, 2004

Stangston said:
Alright, I think I'll get a new battery. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm glad someone else is up with me through the night.

of course, damn insomnia

mwdguy · Jan 8, 2004

Stangston said:
I have a 99' GT, and I haven't had any problems with it. Well, last night the temperatures got down to about -2 degrees F with high winds, and being covered in snow/ice, the car was frozen solid.

So, today I started the car (it was about 10 degrees), and it BARELY started. The battery has never been replaced and is about 5 years old. Is this normal for batteries of all ages at these temps, or if I buy a new one, will it start more confidently in cold weather?

The other more bizarre problem was fan noise. I've never had any strange noise coming from the AC/heating system before the deep freeze. But now there is a high-pitched grinding noise (it sounds like a high-speed power screwdriver) coming from the vents. Does anyone have a possible reason why coldness could affect this, or is this probably a random problem?

Thanks.

Cold weather is whats causing the noise. It is because your blower motor for your a/c / heater is so cold.

merc123 · Jan 8, 2004

<--- 4 batteries in 3 years

Stangston · Jan 8, 2004

Wow...I almost want to see how long this battery will last!

nyuk98gt · Jan 8, 2004

Stangston:

If you don't change the battery, you may be surprised when you go to start the car and nothing happens! In my case, the car started up fine in the morning but when I went to start it a few hours later, it was stone dead. No, I did not leave the lights on, the battery just quit. Hot summers and cold winters all conspire to shorten the life of a battery but 5 years is pretty good.

I agree with 'mwdguy' that the noise is due to the low temps. It may be aggravated by the low battery charge, too (fan motor).

You can have the battery "load tested" to see how much life remains. Most places will do it for free (since they figure you are considering replacing the battery!).

JonJon · Jan 8, 2004

merc123 said:
<--- 4 batteries in 3 years

That's horrible! I'm still on my original, 4.5 years.

Stangston · Jan 8, 2004

Here's an update for those that care. Yes, the grinding fan noise was caused by the extreme coldness. With no ice/snow on the car, warmer temperatures, and sun, the fan made absolutely no annoying noise today.

As for the battery, it's getting checked tomorrow. The last thing I need is getting stranded somewhere in freezing temps.

jadesville · Jan 8, 2004

Stangston said:
Here's an update for those that care. Yes, the grinding fan noise was caused by the extreme coldness. With no ice/snow on the car, warmer temperatures, and sun, the fan made absolutely no annoying noise today.

As for the battery, it's getting checked tomorrow. The last thing I need is getting stranded somewhere in freezing temps.

I always have my trusty lighter and pocket knife on me

Ron Jeremy · Jan 8, 2004

I started up my garage queen 2001 GT with only 1,279 miles the other day and I turned on the heater and then the A/C. When the A/C was on it made a funny noise, but it didn't sound like it was grinding. It sounded as if something was inside the air vents. The noise was less noticeable with the heater on. Also, this noise is heard more when the A/C and heater is on the maximum blower speed setting. Keep in mind that I have not driven my 2001 GT since the early fall. It has been sitting in my open carport garage. I start her up every 2 to 3 weeks so the battery will not die out.

Cold weather causing problems?

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