Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - Lovemymicra
Got a L Reg Nissan with 100,000 on clock - very reliable in summer, but in the winter it will not start on cold damp mornings - putting a blanket on the engine the night before solves the problem, but sometimes I forget and then it won't start !!!!! - anyone got any ideas of what it can be - wondered if it could be the coolant temp sensor - has anyone had similar problems with their old micra - love my little micra - apart from this, it is a great little car.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - GregSwain
Assuming the battery is OK, it sounds like an ignition problem. Is probably just damp getting into the dist cap, happened on my old Sunny. Change the cap, and may as well change the rotor arm while you've got the cap off (may well be rusty!). If that doesn't work regap the plugs or alternatively just buy some new ones, and if that doesn't work, buy new HT leads. Sounds far more likely than a temperature sensor to me.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - jc2
If the blanket cures it,it is almost certainly condensation.New cap and leads and coil-in fact I'd do the the leads first and then spray thoroughly with WD40 or similar.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - sierraman
Use ignition sealer to spray it,lasts longer than WD and usually cures probs of this type,cheaper than new leads too.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - jc2
Do the leads as well,ignition sealer,is at best,only a temporary fix and your starting troubles will come back.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - GregSwain
Basically replace everything between the coil and the plugs. Cap & rotor should be about £15 for both, leads about £20, and plugs about £10. Not an expensive repair if it means your car lasts another winter or 2....or 10, as it's a Nissan after all ;-)
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - jc2
I'd do the coil as well,nothing like having plenty of volts to get an engine fired up.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - Lovemymicra
Well, what a great response - showed all this to my husband, will go armed with a shopping list, and hopefully get the problem sorted. If not, I shall just keep my 'blanky' handy - it really does work, just a bit of a nusiance to have to keep remembering. Thanks for everyone's advice - any further tips would be gratefully received.
Nissan Micra 1993 - cold starting - Dynamic Dave
See if any of the suggestions in the following threads help (as well as the links within those posts that will take you to other threads as well):

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=44192
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=21817

Also see the Car By Car Breakdown menu on the left.