2000 accord hard start

Hi, wondering if anyone can help.

I have a 2000 accord 4 cyl, 104,000km and does not like the cold. As
soon as it's below -14C especially if there's any windchill then it can
crank for 10 seconds very slowly and then starts. A local shop had it
overnight when it was -20C, then checked it out in the morning by
starting it and the guys said it's normal (my old '91 accord had no
problem starting in the cold so it ain't normal in my opinion).

So I added a block heater last winter and it started fine when plugged in.

This year, first night of -16C with windchill, I plugged it in for 1 hr
before using it in the morning, started like a charm 1st turn, and died
right away. Turned the key again and held if for 10 seconds, just one
slow crank per second, then it cranked faster and fast and the engine
finally caught and was running. While idling I noticed what looked like
some smoke come out from under the hood for a few seconds and stop -
could have been exhaust on the windy day, could have been my stupid
cranking for 10 seconds.

Questions is - what causes this hard starting on a car that is only 6
years old and has 104,000KM (still new as far as I'm concerned) ?

 

when was the battery last changed?

 

I am pretty sure it's the original battery. It was checked during a
tuneup in 2005 and at the time the dealer said it was ok. Could that
really cause the hard start?

 

That's what I'd suspect too. It sounds like a tired battery.

Maybe a bad battery ground or connector if the battery is good?

 

Ok, and if it's the battery ground connector is that easy to find? Is it
something that would need to be replaced or just tightened at the same
time when replacing the battery (I am leaning then towards getting a new
battery) ?

 

If your current battery is the original, then it is about time for a
replacement.

 

The cable on the battery's negative post IS the ground. If it's tight at the
battery follow it down to where it bolts to the frame or engine. If it's
tight on both ends and not broken have the battery tested and replace it if
it's bad. Most auto parts stores can test it for you.

 

Replace the battery, check the ground connection, and use the 'trick' in
the owner's manual under 'how to start your car in cold weather / high
altitude'.

I do it if I can't plug in.

'Curly'

 

this is off topic but, have you had any transmission problems with your
honda i4?

 

How've you made out?

 

Nope, transmission has been fine for me. I drive like a granny with my
own cars and don't do any towing so there's little chance I could hurt
any car's transmission (unless it's a rental ... )

 

Everyone was right on with the battery being the problem. So, problem's
resolved and a big thanks to everyone who posted tips!