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    yakgirl's Avatar
    yakgirl Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    May 5, 2011, 07:34 AM
    Why won't my honda civic start when it is cold?
    Why won't my 2002 honda civic start when it is cold outside? It starts fine when the weather is warm. Radio will play but is very hard to get it to turn over.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
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    #2

    May 5, 2011, 07:54 AM

    Bad batteries are the #1 reason a car will start in warm weather but is very slow (or hard) to turn over when the temp drops.

    Get it load tested at an Auto parts store and replaced if it is bad.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #3

    May 5, 2011, 08:12 AM

    Replace the battery and clean the battery cable connections. Should the problem persist, replace the platinum spark plugs (NGK only) if they have not been changed in 50,000 miles.
    yakgirl's Avatar
    yakgirl Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    May 5, 2011, 05:42 PM
    Comment on smoothy's post
    Thank you. My first thought was the battery but it was replaced about 6,000 miles ago and less than a year ago. I will have it tested.
    yakgirl's Avatar
    yakgirl Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    May 5, 2011, 05:42 PM
    Comment on TxGreaseMonkey's post
    Thank you.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #6

    May 5, 2011, 05:48 PM

    If the battery is low, have them test the alternator. The battery should still be under warranty.
    yakgirl's Avatar
    yakgirl Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    May 6, 2011, 05:51 AM
    Comment on TxGreaseMonkey's post
    Thank you, I will do that. The car is new to me at at first it was just slow to turn over in a.m. and not having ever owned a Honda, thought it was just the way they are. We had a cold snap after having some warm weather and this time the starting up is way worse.
    john12121's Avatar
    john12121 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    May 7, 2011, 01:32 AM
    Not only Honda Civic,but many other gasoline-powered car fail to start in cold temperatures,due to insufficient battery power, thick engine oil and frozen coolant(the most common reason)...
    Use slightly thinner oil in cold weather as suggested in user manual.. Check your anti freeze.. Insufficient anti freeze may be the reason nor not starting... Also check for spark.If no sparks,there must be some problem with ignition.. Use proper cold weather start up process suggested in Honda manual..
    Used cars for sale
    yakgirl's Avatar
    yakgirl Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    May 8, 2011, 08:42 AM
    Comment on john12121's post
    I thank everyone for the good input. I have not had a chance to have the battery tested but will do that first as it seems like the first step- like checking your breakers when you don't have electricity.
    ashleyrms22's Avatar
    ashleyrms22 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Jul 29, 2011, 11:31 PM
    This is a comment problam for many other gasoline powered cars fail to start in cold weather. Due to low battery power and thick engine oil. To avoid this probleam used slight thinner oil in cold weather. And also check spark. If no sparks, there must be some problem with ignition. Hyundai cars
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