QuestionI've got an 89 LeSabre with the 3800 engine. The car runs fantastic all year long... except for starting below about 20 degrees. The only way I can usually get it to start that cold is to jump start it, otherwise, I'll crank the battery down to nothing trying. You can smell the gas when this happens, and I can SOMETIMES get it to start if I hold the pedal to the floor. But I'd say that's one time out of five. Once it's started, it runs like normal, even when it's really cold out. Other than that, it probably requires a little more cranking than normal in the summer to start it when the engine is cold, but I never have trouble getting it started when the weather is warm. Thanks in advance!
AnswerIn the winter, it is essential on older vehicles to change the oil to 5w20 or at least 10w30.
This will reduce the amps needed to crank by 1/2.
Also, it sounds like your controller for the injectors needs recalibrated.
Have you ever changed the starter? As the years go by, the brass bushings on both ends of the armature wear,, causing a "sloppy"fit, which in turn causes the starter to pull 2-3 times the amps it should. You can have that checked at Autozone for free.
I believe your problem is multiple.
