Low Temperature Problems

**Foxpaw** · 12-07-2003, 12:32 PM

I've been thinking about installing a computer into my car but one thing I'm not sure about: I've been considering making an interface so the on-board computer can act as the ECU, allowing me to play with air/fuel mixtures and such. However, I live in Canada on the Praries, and it can get quite cold some days during the winter. My question is, can it get too cold for a computer to start? I could probrably set it up so it uses the stock ECU until the computer sends a signal to "hijack" control, but that would add a good deal of complication.

**MeanGT** · 12-07-2003, 12:56 PM

I don't think the cold would affect it too adversely. I would not suggest controlling your engine with a carputer though, as that option would be much more unstable than the original ECU that the car came with. In fact I thought of this myself, and then realized that if Windows decided to take a dump while driving down the highway, you could be in big trouble.

If anything, your idea of interfacing it with the ECU would be more reliable, although much harder to accomplish.

I also thought of creating my own fuel injection system using a PIC microcontroller, or basic type stamp, but haven't really looked into that idea very thoroughly (sp?)

**TruckinMP3** · 12-07-2003, 05:26 PM

The PC vs Cold Temp issue has been beat to death.

The newbie section should not be an excuse for not searching. Cold Temps can cause slow responce in LCDs and some trouble with Hard Drives with Fluid type bearings..... Thats it.

**kev415** · 12-07-2003, 10:15 PM

if freezing liquid filled bearings doesnt scare you, running your entire car with Windows should!

**TruckinMP3** · 12-08-2003, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by kev415

if freezing liquid filled bearings doesnt scare you, running your entire car with Windows should!

The Original post does not mention the OS at all. Many of us can set up an OS other than windoZe.

Silly, that is one of two cold related problems that I am aware of. Not to be confused with controlling the car as a concept.

**BOND007BE** · 12-09-2003, 03:58 AM

currently i have severe problems with COLD,

its now -4 degrees celsius , and have troubles booting my system.

(my harddisk isn't yet covered (build in ) it s just in the trunk.

gonna cover it and try again.

greetings