2012 Accent, problem starting on cold morning

[Imamac]

Hello: wondering if maybe someone could help, I have a 2012 Accent Hatchback bought May 2012, (13,000 km. had two oil changes) with a problem starting on cold morning (below freezing) , great other times, starts soon as you turn key . When cold it will start but you have to hold the key on longer. Once running everything works fine for the rest of the day ontil the next cold morning. Talked to dealership and was told it had something to do with Immobilizer Indicator and to make sure its not flashing and to try turning key on and waiting until this light went out and to then start car, tried that no better, next option is to drop car at dealership and they would have a look. I am not a car person, very little knowledge, So I'm looking for any info so I am prepared when I go to dealership. Thank You in advance .

[Lucid484]

Could be a bad battery...Or if you temps are extremly cold maybe your stock battery doesn't have enough CCA

[2012AccentSE]

Originally Posted by Lucid484

Could be a bad battery...Or if you temps are extremly cold maybe your stock battery doesn't have enough CCA

this is most likely the issue. Mine takes a crank or two more to start on cold mornings at ~20 degrees f. Nothing wrong, just cold

[Imamac]

Thanks for the info, I normally go to a service station near my home for oil changes since I don't live that close to the dealership, and I am going by the mechanic there, it is doing exactly that taking two or more cranks on cold mornings, I was worried some really cold morning it wouldn't start.
(it can be -10 f. or lower here for days)
Think I'll purchase a blockheater, and not bother the dealership right now.

[doneill314]

Originally Posted by Imamac

Thanks for the info, I normally go to a service station near my home for oil changes since I don't live that close to the dealership, and I am going by the mechanic there, it is doing exactly that taking two or more cranks on cold mornings, I was worried some really cold morning it wouldn't start.
(it can be -10 f. or lower here for days)
Think I'll purchase a blockheater, and not bother the dealership right now.

What weight oil do you have in it? I use Mobil1 0W20 year round in mine. Any gasoline engine will crank a little longer when its cold out because the gasoline will not vaporize as easily in the cold. Lighter oil should help starting a little and reduce the time for the oil to circulate to the upper parts of the engine.

[Imamac]

Oil used is Quater State 5w20

[2012AccentSE]

Originally Posted by Imamac

Oil used is Quater State 5w20

synthetic? or conventional?
conventional also takes a little longer to circulate versus sythetic so that could make the car start a little slower too i would think because its making the oil sender work overtime causing the electronics to draw more current.

Cold Weather Engine Protection For Your Car Engine - YouTube

Cold Weather Engine Protection For Your Car Engine - YouTube

I peronally an now using Kendall synthetic blend since down here it never gets that cold

[PowerFreak]

Doesn't matter whether you use full synthetic or synthetic blend. The lower viscosity the oil, the better it flows during cold starts. If you're situated in NS, would suggest that you use 5w20 or 0w20 for better oil flow. Have your spark plugs checked as well to make sure you're not running on foul ones. Your car is fairly brand new so I wouldn't expect any battery terminal deterioration, however, check the tightness of each terminal to make sure.

Your spark plugs part number is LZKR6b-10e, NGK is the brand. There's a Denso replacement for this but i'm not sure of the part number. Suggest you go to your dealer and purchase one.

[Danno]

When you say one or two more cranks, can you say it takes 1 - 2 seconds to fire vs. starting immediately? I noticed the same think on my 2013 Sonata GLS. Definitely takes longer to start when it has been outside at -10 C vs. in the garage at 4 C. I think it is a GDI thing. I am not worried (at this point) We'll see when it hits -25 C.

[2012AccentSE]

Originally Posted by PowerFreak

Doesn't matter whether you use full synthetic or synthetic blend. The lower viscosity the oil, the better it flows during cold starts. If you're situated in NS, would suggest that you use 5w20 or 0w20 for better oil flow.

If it is a true synthetic, ester based, then it will definately flow better and not break down like conventional, mineral based oils.
If I was up north, i would definately be using a full easter based oil to maximize protection.