Rep Power: 0

Hello, I am new to the forums, and new to cars. My civic 04 dx did not start a few days ago, it was -30C I think or -25C. My mechanic said it was just a frozen battery. Before going to the mechanic, I jump my car and it starts. But died after 15 minutes because I was resetting the radio. Then the car won't start again, and I had to jump it once more before I drove to the mechanic and said it was just a frozen battery. Could this be the reason for the problem? Sometimes, when I start the car the battery light stay still, and if I rev the engine it flashes like it blinks. And sometimes gauges won't work, like the speedometer and stuff but suddenly after a minimum of 5 seconds to 2 minutes it works. It's quite annoying when you know mothing about cars, and I have little money to get it checked to Auto Shop. Any ideas? Cheers

 
Rep Power: 0

If you battery was frozen, it could be because it's been not fully charged and there is an issue with your alternator. Try to borrow a voltmeter (multimeter) and with the car running, see what the voltage is across the battery. Should be between 13.5 and 14.5Vdc. If your battery was frozen, then your mechanic should have told you to do a visual inspection (look for cracks or bulging of the sides), and take it into a warm place and let it thaw naturally. Then you could check the voltage of the battery, and as long as it is above 11.5Vdc, then I'd put it on a trickle charge (2amp charger) and let it sit for a few hours before re-installing it and running your car. Hopefully it's alright, but I'd be more concerned about the alternator. Check the connections on the alternator that they are tight and not corroded. When I bought my civic, the headlights would dim down and the car would not restart. I found out it was a loose connection that began to arc a bit and burnt the wire a bit. Cleaned it up and re-crimped the wire, and I was good to go. Hope u find your problem! Good luck!

 
Rep Power: 518

Was that a wild guess based on a phone call, or did he see it with his own eyes?

A discharged battery can and will freeze in the cold.
A fully charged battery will not freeze.

A frozen battery can't be charged until it is thawed completely.
A battery that becomes frozen is usually ruined, or its life is dramatically reduced.
The battery light should not stay on or blink while the engine is running. You may have a serious charging system problem that needs attention before it causes more damage.

If the gauges are not operating correctly, someone could have left the alternator mounting bolts loose.
This can quickly ruin the PCM (engine computer).

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the reply guys. Appreciate it.

How much will the test cost? I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. I don't know where can I get the test free. Also, my car starts weak after a long hours of not driving it. I pretty much spent my savings money on the car, cause its my first car and im only 18. And he tested the car personally, even hooked up with multimeter, he said it is fine.

 
Rep Power: 518

See if the alternator mounting bolts are loose first (use wrenches, not eyeballs), before running the engine again.
Tighten if loose.
Maybe that will solve the problems....or maybe not but it's sure worth a shot.

 
Rep Power: 518

Bolts B, C, D