First cold morning and almost didn't start....

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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robdog
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First cold morning and almost didn't start....

Post by robdog »

Is there any way I could get a replacement battery under warranty. This morning the temp in the vibe said 25 degreees. It barely turned over. I am sure that a few more cold mornings like that and I am sure to need a jump start. I need more CCA's. Any advice so I don't have to buy another battery......I know there have been threads about this, just wondering if anyone has had problems now that the temps are getting colder.......Thanks
03, Abyss monotone GT, 6 disk changer, moon and tunes, Cargo mat/nets, power package, side airbags, AEM Short Ram Intake, Borla exhaust , 35% tint all around, F1 strut tower brace, debadged, 17" Excel rims w/ federal ss595 tires.
Sub-Vibe-R
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (robdog)

Post by Sub-Vibe-R »

As soon as the temp goes down, I notice starting is even worst.This week-end, the temps goes at -1c (30F) and it was cranking very slowly. I'm affraid about the -20, -25c (-4, -13f) coming within the next week....
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joatmon
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Sub-Vibe-R)

Post by joatmon »

This morning here it was about 30F (-1C), and mine was noticeably slower to crank. I used to think the battery problems were only for those where it got really cold. Now I'm not so sure.
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Sub-Vibe-R
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (joatmon)

Post by Sub-Vibe-R »

quote:This morning here it was about 30F (-1C), and mine was noticeably slower to crank. I used to think the battery problems were only for those where it got really cold. Now I'm not so sure.Mine did the same as yours. So can you imagine what will be the result at -15F....
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joatmon
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Sub-Vibe-R)

Post by joatmon »

Luckily, it should never get that cold this far south. I feel sorry for you, both for having to put up with it that cold and for what you battery will do
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Lee
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (joatmon)

Post by Lee »

Mine too was slow to crank (about -8) Funny though, I really did not notice too much of a problem last winter! (probably because last winter we did not get really cold weather early in the year, and as soon as it turned cold I would plug in whenever possible)
TraceyShadow, Two Tone, Auto, Moons and Tunes, Cargo Mat & nets, first aid pouch, storage pouch, Power Pkg, Theft system, Auto Pkg
Jahntassa
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Lee)

Post by Jahntassa »

It's just a really tiny battery. I think the electrical system was built to just BARELY sustain the car.. I'm already looking at a high-output alternator, along with an Optima battery to supply my add-on electronics. Which is sad..And please don't flame me for putting an outrageous amount of electronics in my car! I know some of you find it silly and rediculous, but y'know..it's gives me a hobby..
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
Savoy
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Jahntassa)

Post by Savoy »

"And please don't flame me for putting an outrageous amount of electronics in my car! I know some of you find it silly and rediculous, but y'know..it's gives me a hobby.."Shine on..-Savoy-
Flip-Side
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Jahntassa)

Post by Flip-Side »

quote:It's just a really tiny battery. I think the electrical system was built to just BARELY sustain the car.. Sure seems that way. Sure GM did it just to save some cash. Thankfully I live in a warm state, but when I visit Michigan in the winter I can tell the battery has to go. Like everyone has noted, my car barely starts in the cold. My wife had to have the car jumped once just to get enough juice to get it to turn. I hope the recall happens soon...
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
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millster
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (silverawd26)

Post by millster »

quote:I think I am going to purcahse a Red Top Optima Battery and say **** GM.Likewise for me, I think. It got down to 9F last week, and I really didn't think the car was going to start. Luckily for me, it did but I don't know that I want to take that chance any longer. It's going to get colder before it'll get any warmer.
-Millster-
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millster
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (silverawd26)

Post by millster »

Now that sounds like a plan! I believe I would be up for it if you could work something out.
-Millster-
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millster
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (silverawd26)

Post by millster »

Sounds good. Yes, I would think that's strong enough.
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
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1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
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Flip-Side
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (silverawd26)

Post by Flip-Side »

quote:I will see what I can do. I know the Red Tops rate at like 800 CCA's, so that should be strong enough I would think. Considering the new ones coming from the TSB are less than 600 CCA's, it will be more than sufficient having 800. Red Tops are some of the best sealed, reliable, mountable, and powerful batteries around.
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
andre
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (Flip-Side)

Post by andre »

It's been -15c here a few mornings and haven't had any problems with it starting. It's only about 3 weeks old though. Once the temp realy starts to fall I may have to plug in the block heater to be sure it will start.
philndz
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (andre)

Post by philndz »

quote:It's been -15c here a few mornings and haven't had any problems with it starting. It's only about 3 weeks old though. Once the temp realy starts to fall I may have to plug in the block heater to be sure it will start.You mentioned your car is only 3 weeks old.....i would be interested to see if it has the same battery as our older vibes......how many CCA's do you have?
2003 Shadow Vibe Base 5spd - 53,000 MilesFlowmaster 60 series exhaust - Short Ram Intake SystemKonig Kaliber 17x7 Rims w/ 225-45-17 Kumho Ecsta 711's - Hotchkis Springs - Progress Rear anti-sway Bar My Vibe is FOR SALE: $8900
NSimkins
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (silverawd26)

Post by NSimkins »

quote:That TSB should be out. Yes, it should - I've been concerned with starting myself and its only been in the 20's. I'll have a call in this week to get an update on this issue.
etoop
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (NSimkins)

Post by etoop »

I'll check mine after work. I picked my 2004 up in late August. The weather has been about 15f at night all this week and I've left my car outside without any issues.
~Eric2004 Base SalsaAutomaticTwo TonePower PackageM & T Package
red
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (etoop)

Post by red »

its going to drop down to -25*F by this weekend with about -15*F during the days..curious to see how she will turn over...i will have to leave it out to find out to see if as the car/battery gets older, it gets weaker......they can come tow it if it doesnt start, suits me fine../maybe get the point across....i wonder if my snowmachine has a bigger cca than that? may have to substitute the snogo battery for mine if it does!!! LOL
pmh013
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (red)

Post by pmh013 »

I've seen grain augers with bigger batteries than the Vibe has.
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JohnC
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Re: First cold morning and almost didn't start.... (etoop)

Post by JohnC »

Is there a larger CCA battery that will fit in the battery location? it seems like it's a bit small.
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patrickogrady
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Post by patrickogrady »

Since the winter set in here, it's been -10 to -20C. The car is taking 2-3 cranks before it "catches." I have the "running on 3 cylinders" engine behaviour when it finally does start, just for a second.
northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

the stock battery is weak..after my new battery and spark plugs, the car would fire up better but still on those negative days it would take a couple turn overs to get going.
etoop
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Post by etoop »

Wow talk about revibing and old topic :D
~Eric2004 Base SalsaAutomaticTwo TonePower PackageM & T Package
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