So im having a problem with a weird solution, and looking for more info on fixing it better. I have a 1997 Dakota 5.2l magnum, 321,301 miles, and the truck has always had problems starting when the temperature drops below 70°F. I'm originally from South TX so this isn't a problem usually, but I'm in Oklahoma for work right now and its been in the 30s in the morning.
The truck normally would require starter fluid to run in these temps, but I just figured out that if I click the key to the ACC and leave it on for about 10 minutes, the truck will fire right up, no problem. I just figured this out a couple days ago and it works like a charm, every time. What could this indicate? Even if I drive the truck for a long period of time, the engine temp never moves past 130 when it's cold out, and upon turning the truck off for more than 5 minutes, the truck is hard to start again without leaving the ACC on, although it takes only a minute or so after the engine is warm. Thanks in advance.
The truck normally would require starter fluid to run in these temps, but I just figured out that if I click the key to the ACC and leave it on for about 10 minutes, the truck will fire right up, no problem. I just figured this out a couple days ago and it works like a charm, every time. What could this indicate? Even if I drive the truck for a long period of time, the engine temp never moves past 130 when it's cold out, and upon turning the truck off for more than 5 minutes, the truck is hard to start again without leaving the ACC on, although it takes only a minute or so after the engine is warm. Thanks in advance.