MarcS

So this is the 3rd time my car has been experiencing "starting" problems when the temp drops. The last time I took it in they told me it was a coil pack. My question is how can a coil pack go bad every winter?

Any ideas?

Syptoms:

Progressively worsening condition
Needs throttle to start
Sputtering
Black smoke from exhaust

Coblasts

Did the new coil pack solve the issue.

Check the Battery voltage,when its cold .
A lower voltage could cause harder starting due to less spark.A coil usually works or it doesnt unless you have a bad connection.

Get them to reflash the car .Maybe the cold start program is corrupted.

MarcS

It was last spring when I had it fixed when they told me they replaced a coil. I'll have to check the battery in the morning. thanks.

BLKLS

get a hydormeter and check the that way if you have a bad cell and check it with a meter it could still show good voltage. the hydrometer will look for a bad cell, if the reading is off more then 25 points between cells its a bad battery.