COLD WEATHER STARTING PROCEDURE DESCRIBED
PROPER COLD WEATHER STARTING PROCEDURE TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW (-18 DEGREES CELSIUS OR 0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT)
VEHICLES AFFECTED ALL 1987-88 "J" CARS WITH 2.0L ----------------- ENGINES VIN CODE 1, K or M
Customers may comment about difficulty starting their vehicles in very cold weather (-18 Degress C, or 0 Degrees F or colder).
Many customers have become accustomed to the cold weather starting procedure that is typical of many GM vehicles; that which calls for no accelerator pedal contact before cranking.
On "J" cars equipped with 2.0L engines, however, the cold weather starting procedure (see Owner's Manual) is as follows:
"Before cranking the engine, push down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its travel and hold. Crank the engine by turning the ignition key to 'Start'. Release the key and accelerator pedal when the engine starts."
Customers should be reminded of this procedure in the event they comment about hard start or no start conditions in very cold weather.
Customers should also be instructed not to continuously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Extended periods of engine cranking can cause damage to the starter (this warning is included in the Owner's Manual).
Customers should also be informed of this procedure when purchasing a 1987 or 1988 "J" car equipped with a 2.0L engine.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
