Happiness is 50 Below in Alaska.......NOT!

akangl · 01-11-2005, 07:36 PM

It is seriously 50 below zero here. I left for work at 3:30 am and it was 36 below, my Focus was NOT amused. The Titan was started later (was 45 below by then) to take the kids to the bus stop, hubby said it started right up (its winterized: block heater, oil pan heater, and battery heater). Although moving was another matter, he said it was not happy and required a bit of coxing to get it going. I guess the VDC OFF/SLIP lights were on (or as hubby said the truck was flipping him off), but at these temps nothing surprises me with any vehicle. I have to go to work in the morning and if the Focus won't start I'll be taking the Titan, that leather is gonna be COLD COLD COLD!!!

Jeostang · 01-11-2005, 08:03 PM

Its going to be 70 on thursday in Washington DC

*jhromy* · 01-11-2005, 08:18 PM

i dont think ill be able to move in 50 below...i dont blame the titan

Treebasher · 01-11-2005, 08:24 PM

Akangl,

I've been waiting for someone to post with temps that I'm having problems with. If you try the windshield wipers at that temp is there a screaching sound that comes from the wiper motor? The wipers seem to move really slow as well. It is supposed to get -15 to -20 this weekend here. The only time I've heard this was at -25 or so. I'm going to bring it to the dealership when it is cold so they can hear this. Hopefully it will act up so they can hear it.

tnbowhunter · 01-11-2005, 08:58 PM

I couldn't imagine........................

*Titan2004* · 01-11-2005, 08:59 PM

Why areas with such temps aren't just plain ole wasteland, I'll never understand. Thats just plain torture! You Do realize the country has areas of more civilized temperature.....right? lol.

akangl · 01-11-2005, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebasher

Akangl,

I've been waiting for someone to post with temps that I'm having problems with. If you try the windshield wipers at that temp is there a screaching sound that comes from the wiper motor? The wipers seem to move really slow as well. It is supposed to get -15 to -20 this weekend here. The only time I've heard this was at -25 or so. I'm going to bring it to the dealership when it is cold so they can hear this. Hopefully it will act up so they can hear it.

Um, how can I be nice about this? If I hit the wipers on my Focus at these (or even a little warmer like -25) temps the world's most HORRIBLE sound comes out. Its NOT the motor its the wipers. I hate to say it but I never blame a vehicle for acting up at anything below -20, they just aren't designed to run at extreme temps. I wouldn't worry about it, just don't hit the wipers, they are going to be noisy and slow. I've had 40+ vehicles over the past 11 years and have NEVER found one that doesn't have noisy slow wipers when its cold. Its just the way things go. Just keep dreaming of summer!!!

akangl · 01-11-2005, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan2004

Why areas with such temps aren't just plain ole wasteland, I'll never understand. Thats just plain torture! You Do realize the country has areas of more civilized temperature.....right? lol.

Uh yeah I do, I think. I moved here 15 years ago from Yuma, Arizona, lol, don't ask.

Flat Black · 01-11-2005, 09:53 PM

Where in Ak are you living?.

Treebasher · 01-11-2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akangl

Um, how can I be nice about this? If I hit the wipers on my Focus at these (or even a little warmer like -25) temps the world's most HORRIBLE sound comes out. Its NOT the motor its the wipers. I hate to say it but I never blame a vehicle for acting up at anything below -20, they just aren't designed to run at extreme temps. I wouldn't worry about it, just don't hit the wipers, they are going to be noisy and slow. I've had 40+ vehicles over the past 11 years and have NEVER found one that doesn't have noisy slow wipers when its cold. Its just the way things go. Just keep dreaming of summer!!!

Nope, not the wipers, I can flip the wipers up and it still makes the terrible noise, it's internal. Never have heard this with any other vehicle at these temps, it's not normal and dangerous.

I guess I'll stick to my plan and get it checked out.

Thanks for the "nice" response.

**loufish** · 01-11-2005, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Just keep dreaming of summer!!!

Yeah, nothing like a summer stroll in only say, +10 deg weather...That would be much warmer

TITANAK · 01-11-2005, 11:13 PM

Hi akangl I live down here in anchorage and it has been hovering around 0 to -10 all day. But by Friday they are calling for temps to be more normal +20 or so. Stay warm.

akangl · 01-12-2005, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebasher

Nope, not the wipers, I can flip the wipers up and it still makes the terrible noise, it's internal. Never have heard this with any other vehicle at these temps, it's not normal and dangerous.

I guess I'll stick to my plan and get it checked out.

I know with all 3 of our vehicles its the wipers (Dodge, Ford, Nissan). Flip them up and its quiet. Good luck with yours.

akangl · 01-12-2005, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TITANAK

Hi akangl I live down here in anchorage and it has been hovering around 0 to -10 all day. But by Friday they are calling for temps to be more normal +20 or so. Stay warm.

I'm so jealous!!! As of right now (3:12 am) its 56 below zero. I have to go to work and I'm seriously thinking about calling in. Driving 82 miles at these temps scares the pants off of me. My little Focus started up like it was nothing, darn car, lol.

Sammy Sandbag · 01-12-2005, 05:46 AM

I guess I should stop complaining about the low 80's that we're having here in the middle of January.....