Hi, our 2001 Forester recently developed cold start problem. It seemed that if the temp got below 25° Fahrenheit and the car sat for at least 24hrs the car was having trouble starting and would idle rough. So I installed a new engine coolant sensor, all seemed well for a couple of weeks. However, during that time, the temp really did not get down below 25° and I don't think the car sat for any extend time or both never occurred at the same time. I really did not pay attention because I thought the problem was fixed. Anyhow, yesterday the car sat for over 24 hrs and the temp got down to just about 25 and the car would not start for my wife. It cranked and cranked with no hint of starting. She let it sit for a few minutes, tried it again, it cranked and did not start-- she pressed the gas pedal a few times and then turned the key again and it started right up and ran smooth. (It seems the new ECT helped the idle.) The next morning, after the car had set overnight (8 hrs ) and the temp was 17° -- the car started without hesitation however I did smell gas after it started. So the problem is not purely temperature related, 8 hrs is more than enough time to chill everything at 17°, it definitely has a time component to it. The only other issue has been the check engine light has come on twice in the past few weeks, I borrowed a code scanner and the car is reporting p0442-- EVAP emission control system leak (small) . Looking around google I can't find any info that links that code to starting issues or any performance issues for that matter. Any ideas? Thanks
Steve