I have a 98 Chevy Silverado with 260k miles, and recently it won’t start when the temperature is 45F or below. The engine cranks and cranks but doesn’t start. When I release the key, I see white smoke coming from the air box, and it tries to crank a couple of times before dying. I thought it might be the battery, so I tried jumping it with my 4Runner and a diesel jump pack, but no luck. I even sprayed starter fluid into the intake, but it still won’t start. In warm weather, it cranks right up. I’m not super experienced with cars, so I’d love to know what to check and what tools I might need.
Have you checked the spark plugs? If they’re worn out, they might not be igniting properly in cold weather. It’s a good idea to inspect those.
Also, consider looking at the fuel filter. If it’s clogged, it could prevent proper fuel flow, especially in colder temps.
If you have a multimeter, it can be really helpful for testing the battery voltage and checking the alternator. Good luck!