Engine - No Start In Sub-Zero Temperatures
ZSM NO. 78-84 GROUP NO. 6C March 23, 1984Inter-Organization Letters Only
SUBJECT: 1983-1984 Century 3.0L V-6 Engines - Sub-Zero Warm Engine No Starts
TO: Zone Managers Ass't. Zone Managers - Service Zone Service Managers
Reports of the 1983-1984 Century 3.0L engine no starts at sub-zero and warm engine restarts have resulted in Engineering upgrading the base battery and the UA1 option (see ZSM letter 74-84) and release of a new starting procedure.
This revised starting procedure will be provided to all owners of record in the form of a visor label; quantities will also be provided to Zone Offices and dealers for cars in stock.
Should inquiries be received prior to the mailing, the procedures attached should be provided to owners and dealers.
1983-1984 3.0L CENTURYS
3.0L CARBURETOR ENGINE
NOTE: THIS START PROCEDURE SUPERSEDES THE PROCEDURE IN MANUAL AND/OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF PUBLICATION.
COLD ENGINE -15~F OR -26~C AND ABOVE WITH OR WITHOUT BLOCK HEATER
Push down the accelerator pedal to the floor and slowly release it. With your foot off the pedal, crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start". Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine does not start or starts but fails to run, repeat this procedure.
WARM ENGINE
DO NOT PUSH DOWN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WITH YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start". Release the key when the engine starts.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START AFTER NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURE
If you tried the warm engine starting procedure (or the cold engine starting procedure), and the engine still does not start, press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold down firmly while cranking the engine. This will clear the engine if it is flooded.
VERY COLD ENGINE BELOW -15~F OR -26~C WITHOUT BLOCK HEATER
Completely depress the accelerator pedal three times, hold the pedal halfway down, and begin cranking. Do not release the key until the engine is definitely running. At this time, release the key and slowly release the gas pedal until the engine idles on its own. DO NOT PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DURING CRANKING.
NOTE: To insure startability, a block heater is recommended at temperatures below -15~F. If block heater is used, refer to cold engine start procedure.