🔧 Troubleshooting Guide - My Winter Car

Comprehensive solutions for common problems, bugs, and issues in My Winter Car Early Access. From the mysterious Problem Bar to car starting issues, we've got you covered with verified fixes.

📋 Version Notice: This guide is based on My Winter Car Early Access patches through v.260102-01 (January 2, 2026). Game is in active development with frequent updates. Some issues may be resolved in newer patches. Check Steam Discussions for latest updates.
🍺
Problem Bar Mystery
🚗
Car Won't Start
❄️
Survival Issues
📞
Phone System
💥
Crashes & Bugs
🔄
Patch Notes

🍺 The Problem Bar - Most Confusing Mechanic

❓ "Why is my Problem Bar going up? Water doesn't help!"
Survival CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING

This is NOT a bug - it's an intentional game mechanic that replaces the old thirst system from My Summer Car. For complete survival mechanics breakdown, see our Winter Survival Guide.

🔍 What Is The Problem Bar?

The Problem Bar represents alcohol dependency (alcoholism), NOT thirst or dehydration. Your character starts as an alcoholic, which is why:

  • Empty beer bottles are scattered around your apartment
  • Parents left a note saying "stop drinking"
  • The bar is labeled "Problem" not "Thirst"
  • Water has almost no effect on it
✅ Solution: Managing Alcoholism

Short-term (Keep playing normally):

  1. Drink beer or alcoholic beverages to lower the Problem Bar
  2. Purchase beer from PSK store (cheap and effective) — Need money? Check our Money Making Guide
  3. Visit neighbors at night for free alcohol
  4. Manage it like you'd manage hunger - keep it from hitting max

Long-term (Cure alcoholism - "Mega Sobering"):

  1. Let Problem Bar reach 100 (turns red)
  2. Wait EXACTLY 38 minutes (NOT 40 - you'll die at 40)
  3. Drink water to bring bar back to white zone
  4. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times
  5. Bar label will change from "Problem" to "Thirst"
  6. After cure, water will work normally
⚠️ Important Warnings
  • Relapse is possible: If you drink alcohol again after partial cure, dependency returns
  • Complete all cycles: Ensure bar label says "Thirst" before stopping
  • Don't ignore it: Maxed Problem Bar causes negative effects (shaking, vision issues)
  • Timing is critical: 38 minutes exactly - set a real-world timer
💻 Alternative: Save File Editing (Advanced)

If you prefer not to play as an alcoholic, you can edit your save file:

  1. Download MSC Editor from Nexus Mods
  2. Open your My Winter Car save file
  3. Find "playeralcoholism" variable
  4. Set value to 0
  5. Save and reload game
  6. Water will now work normally to lower Problem Bar

Note: This is a workaround, not official gameplay. Use at your discretion.

🚗 Car Won't Start - Complete Diagnosis Guide

Sorbett 1600 LTD (Your Daily Driver) — Full vehicle details →

❄️ "Car won't start - makes no sound / weak cranking"
Vehicle CRITICAL

Cause: Block heater was NOT plugged in overnight. Engine oil is frozen solid.

✅ Solution: Proper Block Heater Usage

Prevention (ESSENTIAL):

  1. After parking at home, find black plug cord at front bumper
  2. Plug into electrical outlet near apartment
  3. Leave plugged in overnight
  4. Before driving: UNPLUG the cord (right-click on plug)
  5. If you don't unplug, you'll rip it out while driving

Emergency Start (If Already Frozen):

  1. Plug in block heater and wait ~10-15 minutes
  2. Enter car, insert key
  3. Pull choke (small knob left of steering wheel)
  4. Pump accelerator 2-3 times
  5. Hold left-click on ignition while giving gas
  6. Keep trying - may take several attempts
⚠️ Developer Note

Patch v.260101-01 (Jan 1, 2026): Fixed issues with Sorbett engine shutoff/restart procedure.

Patch v.260102-01 (Jan 2, 2026): Additional Sorbett stability fixes. If still experiencing issues, verify game files on Steam.

🌡️ "Car starts but heater doesn't work / body temperature dropping"
Vehicle High Priority

Cause: Heater system incorrectly configured or engine not warmed up.

✅ Correct Heater Setup

Step-by-step configuration (Right side of dashboard):

  1. Blower button: Click TWICE for maximum (important!)
  2. Temperature dial: Mouse scroll to LEFT (hot)
  3. Direction toggle: Set to LEFT (windshield)
  4. Window heater button: Click until yellow light appears
  5. Wait 2-3 minutes: Engine must reach operating temperature

Quick reference: Blower max + Temp left + Direction left

💡 Windshield Scraping

While heater warms up, manually scrape ice:

  1. Exit car
  2. Look at windshield
  3. Hold left-click and drag mouse up/down
  4. This clears ice much faster than waiting for heater alone
⛽ "Car won't start after refueling at PSK"
Vehicle Medium

Cause: Cold engine shutdown without proper procedure.

✅ Solution
  1. Pull choke out (left of steering wheel)
  2. Pump accelerator several times
  3. Hold ignition + give gas steadily
  4. Engine should catch after a few seconds

Prevention: Some players recommend NOT shutting engine off at PSK. Leave it running while refueling/shopping (realistic for Finnish winter).

Corris Rivett (Project Car) — Complete build guide →

🔧 "Rivett engine turns over but won't start"
Vehicle High Priority

Multiple possible causes - systematic diagnosis required.

Diagnosis Checklist:

  1. Camshaft timing:
    • Camshaft pulley: Align small arrow with stamp on engine head (behind pulley, slightly under)
    • Crankshaft pulley: Top left corner has stamp on engine block - align with pulley mark
    • Auxiliary shaft may also need timing (verify with community)
  2. Electrical connections:
    • All spark plug wires connected
    • Distributor connected
    • Alternator wired
    • Starter connections tight
    • Battery terminals secure
  3. Fuel system:
    • Fuel pump connected and powered
    • Fuel lines not kinked
    • Carburetor installed correctly
    • Fuel tank has gas
  4. Air/fuel mixture:
    • Target AFR for starting: approximately 11-12 (rich mixture)
    • Check with AFR gauge if installed
  5. Missing parts:
    • Verify ALL engine parts installed (use in-game manual)
    • Check for loose bolts (torque wrench recommended)
⚠️ Known EA Issues

As of January 2026, some players report Rivett engines that are 100% complete still won't start. If you've verified everything above:

  • Check Steam discussions for latest community fixes
  • Use MSC Editor to verify save file integrity
  • Report to developer with save file if persistent
🔋 "Kekmet (Tractor) won't start or shut off properly"
Vehicle Medium

Status: FIXED in Patch v.260101-01 (January 1, 2026)

Patch v.260101-01

Fixed issues with Sorbett and Tractor engine shutoff / restart procedure

If still experiencing issues after this patch:

  1. Verify game files on Steam
  2. Make sure you're on latest version
  3. Report on Steam discussions if persists

❄️ Survival Mechanics Issues

🎓 New to the game?

If you're experiencing these survival issues in your first few hours, check our Beginner's Guide for essential starting tips and common pitfalls to avoid.

😴 "Can't sleep - no prompt appears on bed"
Survival High Priority

Cause: Room temperature too low. Sleep is disabled in cold rooms.

✅ Solution
  1. Locate radiator in the room (apartment OR parents' house)
  2. Turn on radiator using switch on left side
  3. Set temperature to 30°C or higher using dial
  4. Wait 5-10 in-game minutes for room to warm
  5. Sleep prompt should appear on bed
⚠️ Known Bug

Death/Respawn Sleep Bug: After dying and respawning, some players cannot sleep at location different from where they last slept. Workaround:

  1. Return to location where you last slept
  2. Sleep there once
  3. After that, you can sleep anywhere again

This bug has been reported to developer (Jan 2026) and may be fixed in future patch.

🥶 "Character freezing to death even with jacket"
Survival CRITICAL
✅ Multiple Solutions

Essential gear:

  • Winter jacket: Found on floor near apartment door - press F to equip
  • Jacket MUST be equipped, not just picked up

Indoor heating:

  • Keep apartment radiators on and set high (25-30°C)
  • Use sauna at parents' house to warm up quickly

Vehicle heating:

  • Always run heater at max in Sorbett (see car heater section above)
  • Don't travel long distances in cold car

Time management:

  • Minimize time outdoors in extreme cold
  • Plan routes to reduce exposure
  • Take warm-up breaks at PSK or parents' house

📞 Phone System Problems

📱 "Called for Rivett/parts but nothing happened"
Gameplay High Priority

Cause: Hung up too early or didn't wait for map marker/delivery confirmation.

✅ Correct Phone Procedure

Critical rule: NEVER hang up early. Wait until they hang up on you.

Step-by-step:

  1. Pick up receiver (left-click)
  2. Use NUMPAD to dial (not number row!)
  3. Press Enter to call
  4. DO NOT HANG UP - listen to entire message
  5. Wait for person to finish talking completely
  6. Wait for them to hang up (line goes dead)
  7. Only then: Check map for marker (Rivett) or mailbox (parts)

Common phone numbers:

  • Corris Rivett seller: 08609553 (wait for map marker)
  • Delivery job: 08-231206 (PSK job board)
  • Taxi job: 08-712112 (PSK job board)
  • Parts orders: Various numbers from AMIS catalog
💡 Parts Order System

After successful parts order call: (See Parts Acquisition Guide for pricing & suppliers)

  • Wait 2-3 in-game days
  • Check PSK mailbox for delivery notification letter
  • Drive to post office
  • Pick up package
💼 "Futufon job door won't open"
Gameplay Medium

Cause: Job hasn't started yet. Futufon jobs begin on MONDAY, not immediately.

✅ Solution
  1. After calling and getting hired, note the current day
  2. Wait until next Monday
  3. Locker door will unlock on Monday morning
  4. Work schedule: Monday-Friday, regular business hours

💥 Crashes, Bugs & Technical Issues

💥 "Game crashes at PSK when buying food"
Technical CRITICAL

Status: KNOWN ISSUE - Temporary fix in Patch v.251230-04 (Dec 30, 2025)

Patch v.251230-04

Burger and Ala Carte seller are disabled temporarily to figure out PSK crashing

Current workaround:

  • Food vendors at PSK temporarily disabled
  • Shop for other items - no crashes reported
  • Wait for developer to identify root cause
  • Future patch will re-enable food vendors
💾 "Permadeath not deleting save files"
Technical High Priority

Status: FIXED in Patch v.251230-04 (Dec 30, 2025)

Patch v.251230-04

Fixed Permadeath not deleting save files

If you started before this patch and have "ghost" saves, manually delete them from:

C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\LocalLow\Amistech\My Winter Car
🔊 "No sound from CD player / music"
Technical Medium

Status: FIXED in Patch v.260101-01 (Jan 1, 2026)

Patch v.260101-01

Fixed CD audio not having sound in Taxi and Sorbett

If imported CDs from My Summer Car, they should now work. If still no sound:

  1. Verify game files on Steam
  2. Check Windows audio mixer (My Winter Car not muted)
  3. Re-import CD files
🚪 "Car shed doors getting stuck / won't open"
Technical Low

Status: FIXED in Patch v.251230-04 (Dec 30, 2025)

Patch v.251230-04

Fixed Car Shed doors getting stuck if closed

📦 "Ordered Subwoofers/Antennas but only got one piece"
Gameplay Medium

Status: FIXED in Patch v.260101-01 (Jan 1, 2026)

Patch v.260101-01

Fixed Subwoofers and Antennas order not delivering both pieces

🎮 "Controller throttle/brake not working"
Technical Medium

Cause: Right stick defaulting to mouse cursor instead of throttle/brake.

✅ Workaround

Controller remapping in Early Access has known issues. Community workaround:

  1. When setting pedals, keep pedals pressed IN
  2. While pressed, press the map button
  3. Controls may be inverted - settings screen doesn't properly reflect this
  4. Test in-game and adjust as needed

Note: Full controller support being improved in future updates.

🧊 "Physics glitches / Sorbett freaking out"
Technical Medium

Status: Partially improved in Patch v.251230-04

Patch v.251230-04

Improved some Sorbett colliders to lessen the possibility of physics glitching

If still experiencing physics bugs:

  • Save game frequently
  • Avoid high-speed collisions
  • Don't park vehicles at extreme angles
  • Report specific triggers to developer

🔄 Recent Patch Notes Summary

Patch v.260102-01 (January 2, 2026)

Patch v.260101-01 (January 1, 2026)

Patch v.251230-04 (December 30, 2025)

Known Issues (As of EA Launch - December 29, 2025)

From Developer's EA Release Notes:

🆘 Still Having Problems?

📢 Community Resources
  • Steam Discussions: Official forums - most active
  • Developer: Toplessgun actively responds on Steam
  • Discord: My Winter Car community Discord server
  • Reddit: r/MySummerCar covers My Winter Car too
  • Save File Editor: MSC Editor on Nexus Mods
⚠️ Backup Your Saves!

With Early Access bugs and Permadeath mode, ALWAYS keep backup saves:

  1. Navigate to: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\LocalLow\Amistech\My Winter Car
  2. Copy entire folder to safe location
  3. Create backups after major progress
  4. Keep multiple backups (different dates)

Reporting Bugs to Developer

Help improve the game by reporting bugs properly:

  1. Check if issue already reported on Steam Discussions
  2. Update to latest patch first
  3. Verify game files (Steam > Properties > Local Files)
  4. Include: Game version, what you were doing, reproducible steps
  5. Attach save file if requested
  6. Be patient - solo developer fixing issues rapidly

🔗 Related Guides

Master every aspect of My Winter Car with our comprehensive guide collection

🎓
Beginner's Guide

Start your Finnish winter adventure right. Learn the essential first 30 minutes, controls, and survival basics to avoid common rookie mistakes.
🚗
Complete Vehicles Guide

Detailed breakdown of all 6 vehicles including Sorbett's heater system, Kekmet tractor mechanics, and when to use each vehicle type.
❄️
Winter Survival Guide

Master the six survival indicators, clothing strategies, and death scenarios. Understand why the Problem Bar isn't what you think it is.
🔧
Corris Rivett Build Guide

200+ parts assembly walkthrough with camshaft timing, electrical wiring, and VIN system explained. Fix "engine won't start" issues here.
📦
Parts Acquisition Guide

Compare AMIS mail order vs PSK store prices, learn phone ordering procedures, and track delivery times for Rivett parts.
💰
Money Making Guide

Earn fast cash through delivery jobs, taxi driving, and wood cutting. Fund your Rivett build and daily expenses efficiently.