Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir or Madam,


I have a 1992 Ford Escort LX. It started last year but this year she will not
start at all  once the temperature goes below 30 odd degrees. It does not
appear to be the battery because the radio works and she started, ran fine
the day before when the temperature was in the high forties - close to fifty.



ANSWER: The possible causes are the MAP sensor or the MAF sensor.If the battery is ok,and the engine turns over.All other obvious things are ok such as plugs,wires,cap,rotor and all have been serviced regularily,then it should start.I have heard of this before in cold weather.There is a block heater which people use and theyre reasonably cheap.It fits to the bottom of the block and has a very low heat but keeps the engine warm overnight.Do you have any check engine light?You will need to go through the usual process of fuel pressure and spark tests to eliminate all causes.

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QUESTION: The problem is the car will NOT start all. She refuses to turn over period.

It acts like the battery is dead but the radio works.

Answer
Ok,i see what you mean.Even though the radio works,it will not have enough amps to crank the engine.With the cold weather,thats what drained your battery.Remove the battery and have it load tested at the parts store as most stores can do this for you for free.If it is not holding the charge then replace it.If you get the car running,use a meter to check your alternator and it should read 14.5 volts or approx.If you cannot do this, the store will check this also.You will need to get the car started first and any decent garage or parts people will do it as it only takes 2 mins to hook up a meter across the battery terminals.