[paulmcdo]

The past few winters I've had issues with my 08 Frontier starting in cold temperatures in the AM. I ended up getting a better battery last winter that is for vehicles that use a lot of pull of the start and things have been pretty good. This am it was -22C (-7F), started the vehicle with the remote start. It didn't turn over the first time, but it tried again and it turned on.

I got into the truck and forgot to put the key in the ignition...crap. Put key in, turn it to start, it is firing, and sounds good and fast, but won't turn over. I try one more time before getting my booster to start it with my remote starter, and boom it starts.

Any idea as to why it starts no problem with my automatic starter vs they key? I'm also thinking maybe I need to get a block heater. It seems my truck doesn't really want to turn over as easily the past few winters. I had the truck checked for any electrical draw and things were normal, as well as the alternator.

thanks in advance, guys.

 

[Foggy4X]

I would def get a block heater at those temps. It might not be totally needed, but would help things for sure.

What kind of oil are you using? The other thing I would think is a must is a good synthetic oil for low temp starting.

I have forgotten to put the key in after using my remote start before, even in 30ish degree weather. I've noticed it doesn't like the shut off and turn back on right away deal.

 

[bjar12]

Block heater sounds like the way to go


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[paulmcdo]

I have Castrol 5w30 GTX oil in it. Just found it odd that it started no problem with the automatic starter vs. the key.

Maybe it was just the time between. Sounds like block heater is the way to go though.

 

[Foggy4X]

Tomorrow morning try just walking out and starting it with the key. I would bet its the off/on that caused the trouble. Mine stumbles a bit doing that.

In those temps I would look for something like a 0w30 or 5w30 synthetic. I'm sure in either case the block heater would help but synthetics are typically better in cold conditions. Check out some pour tests on youtube with conventional and various brands of synthetic. While that isn't all thats important with an oil its sure something to consider.

 

[The other Sean]

How long is the wait between the remote start activating the trucks fuel pump and it cranking? I know there is a 3-4 second delay with mine. Lights come on, I hear the fuel pump energize and then there is about a two count and then is starts cranking.

I would try it with the key, but turn the key to run, stop, count to three and then turn it to start. I've had a few old beaters with weak fuel pumps that you had to let the pump build pressure or it wouldn't start. Once started it would run fine, but....

 

[Nissan4Life]

Put key in, turn it to start, it is firing, and sounds good and fast, but won't turn over.

This line has me confused. Firing good and fast. Won't turn over??

Firing good and fast is typically the opposite of won't turn over

First off what is the CCA of the battery you bought. For that cold you should max out the CCA of the group size battery. I think something in the 700s.

A trick with getting a cold battery to start flowing juice is to turn on a couple of accessories prior to cranking. Like turn the key on. Turn on the radio and the highlights on bright. Let is sit like that for 30 seconds. Turn off the lights then crank.

I would also check the battery terminals. Make sure they are clean and tight.

-7 is cold but not that cold. I have started my truck a couple of times in those temps. I also have a 600 or so CCA battery.

 

[The other Sean]

The OP is saying it starts fine using the remote start, but cranks and doesn't start when using the key. I think he was wording it incorrectly.

 

[Skibane]

You might also consider a battery heater (or "blanket").

At -20° C., your battery has only 60 percent of the capacity it has at room temperature - at the same time that your engine starter is demanding several times as much current from it as it would at room temperature.