Cold weather starting problem 93LS

[54xenon148]

My 93 LS won't start when air temp is 30F and is very hard to start below 50F. Also radiator fans come on immediately. Starts/runs fine in warm weather or on restarts if engine is still somewhat warm.

Classic problem is temp sensor. However Temp gage seems to reads correctly. Is this possible with a bad temp sensor ?

I understand the engine coolant temp sensor feeds both the dashboard temp gage and the engine computer which in turns controls the radiator fans,

I pulled coolant temp sensor.
Measured the resistance – 32F =4650 ohms, 65F = 2207, 200F = 440
Pulled coolant sensor from a different Legacy.
Measured the resistance – 32F =4450 ohms, 65F = 2510, 200F = 440
Bought a coolant sensor from AutoZone (only source open)
Measured the resistance – 32F =4360 ohms, 65F = 2468, 200F = 390
Basically no difference.

Chilton's manual (#8259 pg 2-34) spec lists: 212F = 26-29 ohms
This is 1/10th what I measure for all 3 sensors at 200F.

Is Chilton's spec wrong or do I have 3 bad sensors ?

How can I diagnose/fix this starting problem ?

[Wiscon_Mark]

it could very well be something other than the temp sensor, but that'd be a good place to start. I believe its only like 20 dollars to replace the sensor...

It could also be the ignition system, or the starter itself not responding well in cold weather...

Also a bad battery that doesn't crank in cold weather could be the culprit? How old is the battery?

[54xenon148]

Turns over very well - new battery.
When merely cool, have been able to get it started by putting the gas pedal to floor and cranking 10 secs. Then lifting pedal (idle position) and re-starting. Can take several cycles as it will try to start and die. When it does finally start ir runs rough until I can get the RPMs up to 2/3000 range. Runs fine as soon as it warms up. Acts like a choke problem if it had a carb.

Radio squeals a lot - OK for several minutes then squeals for several seconds. Only other problem I am aware of and probably not related to starting problem.

[Huffer]

Possibles, air filter clogged, throttle body obstructed, idle air control valve?

[54xenon148]

Swapped in a temp sensor from another car and it started right up. The check engine light did not come on and the fans did not start immediately. Nice.
Expect this is fixed but it was fairly warm out. Will try starting it again early tomorrow morning and order a new sensor.
Thanks all for the advice. :)

[Wiscon_Mark]

its always nice when its an easy fix :)

[OUTBACKWBEER!]

Could be a TPS switch ? No CEL yet?