Hi everybody,
I've got an 07 Fit Sport Manual. No mods, stockity stock. I've been looking around and found some similar issues, but none related specifically to the cold.

I've been living in Salt Lake City for a couple of years now and starting back before I left for the holidays, I noticed two odd issues. First, near the end of November, I would notice a loud screeching noise when I'd start the engine, but only in the morning when it was very cold. Basically the noise your starter motor makes if you were to try to start the engine while it was already running.

Second, I had this happen one time around the middle of December (really cold evening). I went to unlock the car, it wouldn't unlock with the fob, so I did it with the key. I got in, no blinking alarm indicator, no beeping with the door open, NOTHING. I turn the key... nothing. I put the key to II and leave it there while I curse to myself for a second and KAPOW, it has power. Then it freaks out and sounds the alarm. I get the alarm to shut up, then start it up and drive away just fine.

A couple days later (no issues those days), I head out of town. I get back roughly two weeks later to a snowy and cold afternoon. I go to get in my car and the same thing happens, except I can't get any power no matter how long I leave the key on II. I open up the hood, check the terminals, everything seems fine. I get my multimeter and check that the battery is fine (it is). I proceed to drive my gas guzzling off roader to wherever I was going instead.

I haven't had a chance to get around to working on it until today (6 days after I got back). It's been a relatively warm day by comparison and I go out and what do ya know, it works again.

All that being said, has anybody else ever had this happen? Even if you haven't, what would you be suspicious of?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

How many years on your battery? Yes, I did read that you said it’s fine. I still suspect it.

 

This.

Get it tested. Sounds like the battery.

 

Batteries don't work well in cold weather. Some suggest turning on the headlights for about 5 secs before trying to start the car. Google for more info.

 

Like others mentioned, it definitely sounds like the battery. I keep one of those USB battery jump packs in the car for that reason, since you never know when you're battery is going to go. Plus the battery in the Fit is so small with low CCA.