RLJacks01 Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Hello, I have a 2001 Subaru Forrester S. I have had it for just over a year and I love it! I so far have had to replace the spark plugs and wires (no big deal). My biggest concern other than not being very close to a dealership for regular service there (closest is about an hour away) is that even though it has the cold weather package it is pretty sluggish when I crank it when it is below 32 degrees, but it improves when the vehicle warms up. Is this a common quirk that has to be lived with or do I need to have it checked out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Do you have the correct oil in the engine for the outside temperatures and do you have a plug in heater for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tunered Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 i would check condition of battery,if that checks out i would hace starter check to see how many amps it pulling while cranking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Hello,I have a 2001 Subaru Forrester S. I have had it for just over a year and I love it! I so far have had to replace the spark plugs and wires (no big deal). My biggest concern other than not being very close to a dealership for regular service there (closest is about an hour away) is that even though it has the cold weather package it is pretty sluggish when I crank it when it is below 32 degrees, but it improves when the vehicle warms up. Is this a common quirk that has to be lived with or do I need to have it checked out? You say you have the cold weather package, so do you plug in the car at night? The cold weather package by itself does not help the car warm up faster, it give you heated seats, mirrors, windshield, and block heater. But if you do not plug it in it will not help the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 i would have the battery load tested ... usually the sorce of a slow cranking when its cold outside. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLJacks01 Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 Okay to clarify, the car isn't sluggish while cranking it is sluggish on the road, almost like it doesn't want to go until it warms up some, almost like someone who was asleep and needs thier cup of coffee to get going. Thanks for the replies, they are much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subie Gal Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 again... what oil are you running??? this is key in colder tempatures. you may need to: either swap oils or let the car fully warm up before driving Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 How long does it take for the temp gauge to move up? Does it appear to indicate lower than before? maybe the cooling system's thermostat is stuck open. Any work done just prior to this problem? I'm guessing last winter all was well? Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLJacks01 Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 The oil I run is 10w30. The car warms up like normal. It done it last winter as well. Only on super cold days though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLJacks01 Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 I was aware of all that you mentioned except the block heater. Where would the plug in for that be? I've never heard of one of those only on older diesel engines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Sigh .... Ok so the car is sluggish till its warmed up. CHekc to make sure the thermostate works, and the engine temp sending unit is good for the ECU. Whne was the last time it had a tuneup. How cold is cold? nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 I was aware of all that you mentioned except the block heater. Where would the plug in for that be? I've never heard of one of those only on older diesel engines. There will be a plug on the front of the car, usually right around the license plate area, under the front of the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 a vehicle should be sluggish when cold anyway. Do you have winter rated fluids in the front and rear ends and transmission? Are you running a thermostat of the correct temperature for the climate? If the car feels normal when warm and you are doing these correctly it just may be because its cold outside. Can you ride in a friend's similar car to see if it performs like yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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