Car wont start when cold

Asked by Joey Dec 09, 2016 at 02:26 PM about the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L GLS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car start all year but every winter for the last 3 it
won't start under 20 degrees.  I have to flood it with
gas.  Which I know isn't good.  Once I give it enough
gas it stays running.  Then rest of the day it starts no
problem.  So it's only on a cold start.  It's had a new
fuel pump and tune up.  Any suggestions

13 Answers

188,395

Your pump maybe starting to go but try this and see what happens: when you go and start the car in the morning, set the key in the "On" position for about 3 seconds to let the fuel pump run and pressurize the fuel line/system. Set the key back to the "Off" position. Repeat the process 3 to 4 times and then start the engine.

7 people found this helpful.
50

My car dose this to what was the cause of your car mate

5 people found this helpful.
30

Still having the problem but only when temp under 20 degrees. So far it has never not started so mechanic hasnt found problem. No codes have ever come on. But yesterday I find got code p2187 to come up even after car started fine. Believe it's the purge value. Replaced it so we see if it helps at all with winter issues. Reading it says it cause starting issues but usually when car is hot rather than cold

3 people found this helpful.
30

My Santa Fe does the exact same thing. Put a new temperature sensor and intake air temperature sensor on it no luck. Did you ever figure out what was wrong

3 people found this helpful.
100

My 2018 Santa Fe Sport is at the dealer now. Every time the temperature drops, the car won't start. They tell me it's a frozen starter and they ordered a new starter. I hope it works. I bought the car because I need something reliable to get to work in very bad weather (first responder). If it doesn't fix the problem, I will never recommend Hyundai and I will never buy another one.

10 people found this helpful.
70

My car has done the same thing twice. I was able to get it into a garage to warm it up by 5-10 degrees and then it started no problem. I feel like the low temperature is not allowing as sensor to engage. ?activating the brake pad allowing the engine to start

7 people found this helpful.
50

The key-on-key-off seemed to work for me for a while, then it didn’t. However, after a particular day of trying to start the car for over 8 cold hours, I happened to tap on the accelerator while doing so, and it fired right up. That has worked for me ever since then. My theory is something in the throttle linkage/sensor system is binding up and tapping the accelerator is letting it pop loose and permitting the starter to be engaged.

5 people found this helpful.
30

I am having this problem on my 2018 santa fe. If I jump it, then it will start. I have already replaced the battery once but it is still happening.

2 people found this helpful.
90

2017 santa fe with the same problem. I have had it into the dealer 3 times... every time it is 32° and below it will not start unless I put it in a garage with a space heater under it. help!

5 people found this helpful.
40

My car is doing the same thing. I basically try starting 3-4 times then walk away for 5 minutes, then come back and another 3-6 attempts it finally turns over and starts. Very disappointed with Hyundai. I bought this car bc I thought it was reliable.

2 people found this helpful.
90

I learned a trick... pop hood... take off fuse cover... there is a large fuse in the back, left fuse of the 2 big ones... pop it out, and use a paperclip on the left side prongs holes... little spark but will start... it bypasses the starter... Oh, put it in neutral with the parking brake on and key to run position before anything....

4 people found this helpful.
20

I think the problem is the inhibitor switch is not positioned properly due to shrinkage of the cable connecting the shifter to the switch. I have the same problems. The switch has been replaced twice and I am now asking that they replace the cable. I think the cable shrinks when cold causing the switch to not be positioned properly. Once it starts and warms up it will start all day. Also, placing a small heater under the car will allow it to start the first time.

2 people found this helpful.

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