My 88 n/a only gives me trouble starting up when its really cold. If it goes longer than 8 or so hours, it takes about 10-15 seconds of cranking to get it started. Today, in N.J., it was very cold, about 10 degrees, the car took longer than ever to start. I had to try about 3 times of 10-15 seconds cranking and it started to backfire a few times. It then finally started and I had to hold the gas to 3000 rpm to keep it going. After 20 seconds I was able to let go of the gas and it idled fine. Then when its warm or hot, it starts up fine everytime. Can you PLEASE give me some advice, Thanks so much!!!!

 

Does the car still have the accelerated warmup system? If not, you may have to live with the cold weather starting difficulties. If the car still has the AWS, read on.

Does the engine crank slowly? If so, that could make starting more difficult. In that case, it would probably help to pick up a replacement battery. Interstate has a decent one, MTP-35 I believe, rated at 640 cold cranking amps. Also you could change to a lower viscosity engine oil for the winter to increase cranking speed.

 

Test the ECT. It may have failed, causing the ECU to default and think the temperature is always around 80 degrees.