Hi all.

i have an 05 STI with a forged block and with the cold weather approaching its being a PIG!

this morning was the worst, I got in, temp was reading 7 deg and it barely started..literrally spluttered into life. no CEL codes at all and after 10 seconds or so it was running fine. with the weather getting worse over the next few months I think the car will not start at all.

I have a new battery and a volt gauge and is showing 12.5v with no engine on, 13.8 on idle so im pretty sure its not that. the starter had no issue turning over but it was just spluttering and revs really really low.

currently have millers 10W/40 oil in there but just ordered helix 5w/40 hoping it 'may' help a little.

any suggestions people?

 

Could be a number of things but i would try the temperature sensor first.

 

water temp?

 

Engine temperature sensor.

 

thanks,

any clues where to buy one and where its located on the block?

 

just read about the water temp sensor is the usual suspect so have ordered a bilstein sensor. also read it could be MAF of which i have a spare as I thought mine was bad so bought a new one from EBay (apparently a genuine Denso...but was much cheaper so suspect)

 

Best of luck but i would try the temp sender first especially if the car runs ok when warm.

 

Thanks John..just went out to the car park and its back to starting normal but outside temps are over 10degrees.

I read that if the water temp sensor fails it defaults to hot settings and the ECU thinks its warm so dont know what to do when its cold. is this the same sensor you recommended?

it would be the pig one to change too..looks like ive got to pop out the alternator to get to it and drain the coolant! fun times