ajg617

03 Avant 3.0 with 200K. Has been running fine but within the last month I've noticed that on cold start (and it has been in single digits and teens) it feels like I'm fighting a hung caliper for the first few miles. Have to push the pedal much further down and trans seems like it's shifted too early. Clears up and runs fine after a few miles.

Also, I've noticed that I don't get a fast idle on the cold start, not sure if that has anything to do with it. Highway mileage has also dropped by about 3mpg.

Plugs and filters are good. Haven't pulled the codes yet but will today.

georgeb944

Run VCDS and report any codes.

When the engine is cold, monitor the temperature readings reported to the ECU by the coolant temp sensor. It could be that this is your problem.

Prospeeder

Do you use the parking brake when you park? Try not doing this to rule out caliper.

Just Me

When it is very cold my (4.2) (and my mom's old 2.8 was worse) seems to have lazy lifters. I presume that they are not fully pumped up, and therefore lift and duration are abbreviated. I drive very easy until it warm,s up, which for many reasons is not a bad idea.

Grant

ajg617

Well, random misfire codes but the key one was low voltage intermittent on Terminal 30. Measured the voltage at 11.4 volts according to VCDS. Measured the battery posts and it was 11.8v. Temp sensor checked out. Voltage at T30 after start up was 13.3 which seems a little low.

Had the battery checked out at two locations and it passed. But interesting, when I brought it it, it was only half charged, though it took a full charge.

Talked with my indy and he said he's had lots of problems with ethanol gel causing misfires, especially in the cold weather.

Cleaned all the electrical contacts and put some Techron in the tank. Been very cold and haven't been driving it very much so we'll see how that works out.

Worldwidebeagle

Sounds like battery issues. Terminal 30 is Bat+ voltage. Compare the voltage at the battery and the lug labeled 30 in the relay panel. Should be around 13 with the engine off, about 13.5-14.5 with the engine running, and no less than 13.5 with all electrical consumers on (lights, radio, blower, wipers). Conventional wisdom says that Low voltage will cause all manner of things to not work right.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Sounds like weak battery. 12.1-12.7 is normal.
Load test the battery,

ajg617

Went to local Pep Boys where I bought the battery 3 years ago (it's a Bosch) and it passed the load test fine. Then took it across the street to an independent battery plus place and they put a load test on it - again passed fine.

This morning 12.6v with overnight in the teens and 14.3 after startup (pep boys put a full charge in it). It was 11.5 and 13.3 respectively yesterday morning. No run time of significance in between.

It's been a long cold winner and I drive it for a couple of days then it sits for a couple of days. Used to be my everyday driver but with two extra cars to keep going while the kids are at school, I try to share the pain so usage has changed. Probably why the P1602 said intermittent.