Cold weather problem with a manual 03

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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joash
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:41 pm

Cold weather problem with a manual 03

Post by joash »

Howdy all, So my family and our Vibe have made the move from warmer and wetter Vancouver to drier but much colder New Brunswick. And now I am having a bit of a cold weather conundrum. I can't get it to start in -5 and below. If but if I plug it in for even 60 seconds it seems to start fine. The thing is the engine doesn't seem to try to start. When I turn the key the engine doesn't make any noise when it is cold. No ticking, clicking or groaning. It just sits there. Now I haven't been paying attention to how hard I was stepping on the clutch, but i don't think I was stepping too softly. Any suggestions? The car is currently sitting in a walmart parking lot. Tomorrow I am going to go see what I can do with it. Also no engine lights or problem light have come on either. It feels like I am not even turning the key in the ignition. ?
joashHeaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and Pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.”—Herman Melville, Moby-(removed): or, The WhaleBlue 03 base VibeCosmo cai 6 sp trannyone infant car seat- to be filled any day now.
star_deceiver
Posts: 5802
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Cold weather problem with a manual 03 (joash)

Post by star_deceiver »

How old is the battery?
2021 Ram 1500 4x4 CCSB
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75 (traded in - 04/15/21)
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
joash
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:41 pm

Post by joash »

I replaced the battery this summer. I bought a good one, but the best that Canadian Tire had. But not a particularly cold weather battery. I bought it in vancouver. Now it seems like the battery charge is fine. this afternoon I tried to jump it but that didn't change a thing.
joashHeaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and Pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.”—Herman Melville, Moby-(removed): or, The WhaleBlue 03 base VibeCosmo cai 6 sp trannyone infant car seat- to be filled any day now.
Bedlam
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:33 am

Re: (joash)

Post by Bedlam »

think it might be the pressure switch for the clutch pedal. the symptoms are the same as if you don't press the pedal all the way to the floor. you most likely are pressing it down all the way but the switch may be faulty and in need of replacement. personally, I'd start there first.you'd have clicking or engine lights if the starting sequence was failing. it sounds like it isn't even getting to the starting line in the first place.
07 1ZZ 5spd Stealth - Sold
03 1ZZ 6spd Shadow w/NAV - For Sale
06 AWD Stealth - Current
07 Magnum SRT-8 - Current
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