Sub Zero Starting Issue

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Snowhunter

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Okay, I've never seen or heard of this before.....

We've had a few days of sub-zero temps at night. The last two days when I go to start the truck I turn the key and nothing happens. I do it 2-4 times and then it strongly turns over and starts but when I first turn the key there is silence.....no click, no warning lights, no indication that anything is happening. Has anyone ever encountered this before?

FYI - Brand new battery, alternator is charging properly, nothing left on overnight. And like I said, once it decides to start it is strong.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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New battery - but did you clean the battery terminal cable connectors with a terminal brush? Are the connectors tight?

While turning the key with no result, wiggle the gear shift selector to see if there may be a problem with the neutral safety switch or transmission range selector.
 
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Snowhunter

Snowhunter

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Thank you all for the suggestions.

All of the battery connections and easily accessible connections are good, clean and solid. Have not yet crawled under the truck in the snow and ice to check the rest (no access to a garage and I live in a very rural area).

This did not start happening before I replaced the battery but it was much warmer then.

The problem seems to have gone away soon after my original post. It has been starting in sub-zero temps fine, with only the slightest hesitation once or twice. That all said it concerns me, especially with where I live and the trips that I have planned in the heart of winter.

Thanks again all. I will keep monitoring, checking and follow up on this with any new news.
 

Motorcity muscle

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Just a suggestion, may want to get one of the digital voltage indicators that plugs into the cigar lighter or wire one in so you can keep an eye on voltage. Intermittent electrical problems are the toughest ones to pinpoint.
 
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