the last 2 weeks or so, it has been snowing and it's been getting pretty cold around here. since them, i've been unable to start my car in the mornings. once the sun comes out and the day warms a bit, i'm able to start my car like usual. i went to a local auto shop yesterday to check my battery and it was fine, they also checked my alternator and again, it was fine. they had no idea what could be causing my car to start. i called the dealership and they suggested that my oil may be too thick for cold weather, i've always used 5w-30. so i don't think that's the problem. (my nearest toyota dealership is more than 2 hours away, so i just can't get up and go get it checked.) does anyone have any idea as to what could be going on with my car? thanks.

btw, i have a 2006 xB.

 

Does it just crank and not fire? If it's not cranking you either have a weak battery, faulty starter, bad battery connections or cables. Have you tried jumping it when it wouldn't start? Or maybe hook it up to a charger before you try and start it. That is not normal. Mine has started at -20 degrees before without a single problem. You just have to search for the culprit. Good luck and please keep us posted with what you find?

 

Where are you located? I'm here in North Dakota and it gets down pretty low. We haven't had too hard of a winter this year, but there was a strech of 3 days there where it stayed below -10 and hovered around -20f during the night. Car started up just fine in the morning.

 

you need a block heater

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...977&highlight=

 

I do not have it in front of me, but doesn't Toyota recommend 0w-20 for these engines in cold climate?

 

it just cranks and will not fire. i tried jumping it, and nothing. so that leads me to believe it's not the battery. i'm now thinking, the starter may be the problem. and i'm in northern new mexico. thank you for the replys.

 

if it's cranking it's not the starter, you have either a fuel or spark issue.

 

Is it turning slow or normal?

 

You don't need a block heater.

 

X2 Fuel or Spark Issue. Maybe a change in oil?

 

Agreed, Sounds more like an ignition switch issue. Have it replaced under warranty and you should be golden.

 

Try a gas stablizer. Sounds like theres moisture in the gas, causing it to freeze in the mourning. Then atfer it warms up during the day it unfreezes. Keeping your tank full will help keep the moisture down, too.

 

I don't think 0w-20 is recommend for the xB's engine in any climate. Toyota did change their default oil weight from 5w-30 to 5w-20 in a 2006 TSB. But it is probably for slightly improved fuel economy and cutting down on the number of oil types their service departments stock. The original recommended 5w-30 is fine and shouldn't matter since he said the engine is turning over.

I'd do the cheapest thing first. Dump in a bottle of gas "dryer", fill the tank, see if it happens again.

 

I could see moisture being a problem if the xB had a steel tank but with it being plastic. Try the dry gas treatment and see like stew32 said. It can't hurt and you might get lucky.

 

its not the oil-i live in minnesota and run 5w30 and mine has never not started in 144K miles