Remote start in cold question
F150 Forum
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,049
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
With only 20k miles on the truck it wouldn't hurt to install new spark plugs for example, but it's not really mandatory that early on in life no. Typical automotive batteries are expected to last 3-5 or some say even 5-7 years from when the battery was manufactured. So it's not very common to need a new battery if the truck's only 3 years old, but anything's possible. Usually if the battery is getting weak you would notice it cranking slower and taking longer to start no matter the temperature. You can usually get a free battery test at a local auto parts store if you are ever concerned it's causing issues with starting or holding a charge.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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With only 20k miles on the truck it wouldn't hurt to install new spark plugs for example, but it's not really mandatory that early on in life no. Typical automotive batteries are expected to last 3-5 or some say even 5-7 years from when the battery was manufactured. So it's not very common to need a new battery if the truck's only 3 years old, but anything's possible. Usually if the battery is getting weak you would notice it cranking slower and taking longer to start no matter the temperature. You can usually get a free battery test at a local auto parts store if you are ever concerned it's causing issues with starting or holding a charge.
just some guy
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Sacramento
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Lakeville, MN
I'll just say that once you get past a certain point, cold is cold and it doesn't feel much different. Just hits you faster on the way out into it. Somewhere around -5F or so. And yes, I've been in colder than -40F before.
As far as anyones vehicle firing up just as fast in those types of arctic conditions, anyone who has spent time in those levels of cold know that nothing starts up as fast as it did when it was warm out. If it does, it means it was one of three things: Not cold soaked from its previous run, had the block heater running (along with battery warmer and pan heaters if you've got them), or was parked indoors where it wasn't as cold. Physics and chemistry being what they are, there isn't a great way around that...
As far as anyones vehicle firing up just as fast in those types of arctic conditions, anyone who has spent time in those levels of cold know that nothing starts up as fast as it did when it was warm out. If it does, it means it was one of three things: Not cold soaked from its previous run, had the block heater running (along with battery warmer and pan heaters if you've got them), or was parked indoors where it wasn't as cold. Physics and chemistry being what they are, there isn't a great way around that...
F150 Forum
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 547
From: Dearborn Heights, MI
That sounds like a good plan just to be sure it's performing as it should. Some autoparts stores and garages also have an amp probe they can put on the negative batt cable to make sure there's nothing causing excessive drain or parasitic draw when the truck is not running. That can help on trucks that have a lot of aftermarket electronics or things of that nature that start having issues with their battery cranking slow after it sits over night. Then if they see a significant draw while the truck's off you can start disconnecting some of the add ons one by one to trace down what the main culprit would be.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 179
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That sounds like a good plan just to be sure it's performing as it should. Some autoparts stores and garages also have an amp probe they can put on the negative batt cable to make sure there's nothing causing excessive drain or parasitic draw when the truck is not running. That can help on trucks that have a lot of aftermarket electronics or things of that nature that start having issues with their battery cranking slow after it sits over night. Then if they see a significant draw while the truck's off you can start disconnecting some of the add ons one by one to trace down what the main culprit would be.
5 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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What engine do you have?
The direct injected engine's HPFP runs off a lobe on one of the cams. If the battery is weak and it's cranking slow then it will take longer for the HPFP build up enough pressure for the fuel injection.
The direct injected engine's HPFP runs off a lobe on one of the cams. If the battery is weak and it's cranking slow then it will take longer for the HPFP build up enough pressure for the fuel injection.
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Ohio
Just wanted to ask has anyone noticed starting your truck with remote start in the cold takes a couple seconds to start. I’m assuming it’s cuz of the cold. It’s 11 degrees here. Had some wiring issues fixed on my truck and just debating if it’s cuz of the cold or something else. Never had this issue before when it’s been this cold.
Am I missing something??