Starting when cold issue

[Diverdwn]

I have a 1998 ford ranger 4 cyl, 5 speed with 133k miles that has an issue with starting when it's cold. There doesn't seem to be an issue when it's warm. I think its due to a choke issue but don't know enough about it to be sure or what to check. When starting it does crank but you need to work the gas pedal for it to continue running until it warms up, then it's fine.

I have replaced the Throttle position sensor as well as the Idle control Valve and removed the battery cable so the sensor would reset, and I still have the issue.

Also, I have noticed that sometimes the motor will rev and then drop to close to shutting down over and over again even if the gas pedal is pressed. It has done this to me at a stop light as well as a parking lot.

What do I try next?

 

[Prestigun]

Hey,

I was having the exact same issues even with a new battery, new plugs, new wires, and new MAF.

It was my fuel filter that was causing the issue. Replaced it with a quality filter and the issues went away. She now starts right up in the cold and idles beautifully.

 

[Diverdwn]

Thanks Prestigun! I'll give that a try and see if it works! I'll let you know.

 

[jremington59]

Is the check engine light on?

 

[Diverdwn]

Is the check engine light on?

No, the check engine light is not on. I do have the computer to read the codes if it were.

I bought a fuel filter and intend to install it to see if that fixes it.

 

[Diverdwn]

Turned out to be the Mass Air Sensor. My brother came over, he is a mechanic, and after a little poking around came to that conclusion. I replaced it, $89 + a $14 dollar core charge at the local parts store. My daughter put it in, took her maybe 5 minutes and now it runs as it should. Started just fine this morning after sitting all night.

Thanks for the helpful advice and tips on where to look!