cold (well cool) start problems

[cswee]

I'm having problems starting up my '97 EB Explorer in the mornings when it is cold (well, cool in Southern California). Turn ignition, engine cranks, stalls and then fires up. At this point clock goes off and resets.

Is this a starter, fuel pump or battery problem? Any ideas?
Thanks
Chris

 

[ExplorerChrisWay]

I sometimes have a similar problem, but when it is cold, its just harder for me to start. If your clock is going dead, that means it has to be electrical. Check your battery cables, if they are bad replace them. This seriously inhibits power going to the starter. Check your battery fluid levels. If they are low, fill them. I dont think it could be the starter, though. Just check your battery and battery cables.

 

[cws4c]

94 Explorer 4x4 4.0L auto- car stalls when starting in hot weather

I only have this problem in the summer time. When I first try to start my car, it starts, with RPM's around 500 or below, then quickly dies. The RPM's stay very low, may surge up to 1000 RPM's for a second, then back down below, 500, then dies. As I restart it again and try to drive, it will stall again...usually 3-4 times before the car stops doing this.

I don't know if the battery has anything to do with this. Probably not, but I'll describe it anyway. I have an ipod hooked up to my car. The iPod adapter is always plugged into the lighter. I don't usually keep the iPod itself plugged in, but OCCASSIONALLY will leave it plugged in when the car's off to charge. The thing is, I've done this all year long for about 2 years with my iPod. I ONLY have this problem when it's pretty hot 75-80+ degrees out. During the rest of the year, I'm fine.

My battery is a couple months old. I just passed my state inspection yesterday, which probably doesn't mean much regarding this.

Also, when I am stopped at a stop light, in drive, with the brake depressed, the engine will rev by itself without me pressing the gas and the car will sort of lunge forward. Once the engine has warmed up, it will stay around 1000 RPM's, then spike up to 1500-2000 for just a second, and fall down again. Again, this happened last summer, went away for the rest of the year, then came back this summer. EGR valve is 2-3 years old. I would greatly appreciate any advice.