Why won't my car start when it rains?

esandes · 10-04-2002, 03:54 AM

What should I look for specifically? I will check the connections first thing in the morning. I want to avoid going to the dealership that charges $100/h. This problem seems to only happen when it rains.

surfbeast · 10-04-2002, 06:41 AM

Sounds like it would have to be condensation in one of the computer boxes. Buy or rent one of the code checkers next time it rains and do a diagnostics on it yourself. That should lead you in the right direction. There are so many places to look in todays coputer driven cars.

Maroon 5.0 LX · 10-04-2002, 08:15 AM

It's more than likely the plug wires. When they get old, the wires and insulators get porous and absorb moisture, causing a no-start problem. Also check for moisture in the distributor cap and dirt around the plug porcelain where the wires slip on.

Of course there are other things that could cause your problem, but start with the basics.

I had an '86 5.8 van, everytime it rained, or even very high humidity morning, it wouldn't start. Although the wires and cap were not too old, replacement cured the problem.

esandes · 10-06-2002, 10:38 PM

Turns out that every ground wire was disconnected except for the one on my alarm. When the mechanic reassembled my engine when I got my headswap he forgot about the ground wires. Now that shop can pay for the bill to reconnect all the grounds and whatever else that may have gotten fried.

10-04-2002, 03:54 AM	#1
esandes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 72	Why won't my car start when it rains? What should I look for specifically? I will check the connections first thing in the morning. I want to avoid going to the dealership that charges $100/h. This problem seems to only happen when it rains. __________________ SSS 98 GT w/ lots of bolt-ons

10-04-2002, 06:41 AM	#2
surfbeast Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Maryville,TN Posts: 415	Sounds like it would have to be condensation in one of the computer boxes. Buy or rent one of the code checkers next time it rains and do a diagnostics on it yourself. That should lead you in the right direction. There are so many places to look in todays coputer driven cars. __________________ 98 GT / convertable -98 Saleen engine, Saleen appearance pkg. SHM cams,P&P NPI heads, and so much more!

10-04-2002, 08:15 AM	#3
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	It's more than likely the plug wires. When they get old, the wires and insulators get porous and absorb moisture, causing a no-start problem. Also check for moisture in the distributor cap and dirt around the plug porcelain where the wires slip on. Of course there are other things that could cause your problem, but start with the basics. I had an '86 5.8 van, everytime it rained, or even very high humidity morning, it wouldn't start. Although the wires and cap were not too old, replacement cured the problem. __________________ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 4.9 Hi-Top Conversion Van '06 Mustang V-6, 5 speed

10-06-2002, 10:38 PM	#4
esandes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 72	Turns out that every ground wire was disconnected except for the one on my alarm. When the mechanic reassembled my engine when I got my headswap he forgot about the ground wires. Now that shop can pay for the bill to reconnect all the grounds and whatever else that may have gotten fried. __________________ SSS 98 GT w/ lots of bolt-ons

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