Engine - Hard Starting In Sub Zero Temperatures
84renault2 9E176APRIL 1984
ALLIANCE/ENCORE
ELECTRICAL Attention: Workshop, Parts Department
HARD STARTING IN SUB ZERO TEMPERATURES
Information Some models may become hard to start in sub zero temperatures due to one or more of the following conditions.
A - Ice forming on the fuel injector nozzle after engine shut down on models with throttle body fuel injection.
B - Insufficient fuel supply at start-up after operating engine coolant heater for more than one hour at temperatures above 0~F on models built between VIN 1XXXXXXXXXX 249701 - sequence number E17937 and VIN 1XXXXXXXXXX 252677 - sequence number W126776.
C - Battery will not stay fully charged when temperature remains at 0~F or below for extended periods.
Service correction of condition A, B, and C is as follows.
FIGURE 1:
A - Correction of Fuel Injector Icing.
The icing condition is eliminated by modifying the PCV tube in the fuel body (Fig. 1).
1. Remove the air cleaner, disconnect the PCV hose from the tube in the fuel body and disconnect the injector wire harness connector.
2. Scribe mark the portion of the PCV tube that extends into the fuel body bore (Fig. 1).
3. Remove the tube with a 17/64 screw extractor (Easy-Out) and file or grind the tube down to the scribe mark. Then smooth and chamfer the cut end of the tube to ease installation.
4. Reinstall the tube in the throttle body. Tap it gently into place until the end of the tube is flush with the surface of the fuel body bore.
5. Apply one or two drops of Loctite Wick And Lock to the PCV tube at the outer surface of the fuel body casting.
6. Connect the PCV hose and injector wire harness connector and install the air cleaner.
FIGURE 2:
B - Correcting Insufficient Fuel Supply at Start-Up
On models with an engine coolant heater (Fig. 2), extended use of the heater at temperatures above 0~F may trigger overly lean fuel mixtures during cold engine start-ups. Service correction involves installing a new thermal electrical switch and harness to prevent lean cold start fuel mixtures.
NOTE: The owner should be advised that the coolant heater is intended for use at temperatures at or below -10~F. Heater operation at temperatures higher than this should be limited to 45 minutes or less.
1. Remove the air cleaner top cover.
2. Remove the thermal electric switch retaining clip and pull the switch out of the air cleaner (Fig. 2).
3. Disconnect and remove the switch harness.
4. Connect the harness of replacement switch 8933 002 436, and insert the switch in the air cleaner.
5. Install the switch retaining clip and install the air cleaner top cover.
C - Maintaining Battery Charge State When temperatures remain at 0~ or below for extended periods, the battery in some models may not warm up enough to accept full charging current during vehicle operation.
To counteract the effects of extreme cold on the battery, an optional 110V, 36 watt battery heat blanket, 8982 400 196, can be installed as follows.
1. Clean the sides of the battery case with a solution of ammonia and water or sodium bicarbonate and water. Dry the case thoroughly after cleaning.
2. Wrap the heat blanket around the battery case and press the velcro strips together to secure the blanket. Be sure the blanket is installed with the printed side facing outward and the cord positioned on the passenger side of the battery.
3. Roll or fold up the blanket cord and secure it with a rubber band. Be sure the cord will not be pinched when the hood is closed.
Using the Blanket
The blanket is designed to operate on standard 110V household current. To use the blanket, connect the blanket cord to a convenient 110V, 3-prong electrical outlet. The blanket may be operated overnight when outdoor temperature is 0~F or below.
NOTE: If an extension cord must be used to connect the blanket to an outlet, be sure to use a heavy duty cord designed for severe outdoor use.
PARTS
Description Quantity Part Number
SWITCH ASSEMBLY 1 8933 002 436
Thermal Electric
BLANKET, Battery Heat 1 8982 400 196
S.R.T. INFORMATION
Operation
Operation Description T.I.C. Number S.R.T.
CO. MODIFY PCV TUBE AND 1-832 1999 0.5
INSTALL BATTERY BLANKET
SO. THERMAL ELECTRIC SWITCH 1-757 1999 0.2
ASSEMBLY - REPLACE (Models with engine coolant heater only)
Filing Instructions
Record this I.S. Note on page B-156 and file in your M.R. 245 binder.