Trouble starting in colder weather (I have read the other posts). Need you're opinion

[fawks]

Hey I've searched the site most of the day on and off about this subject and a few others. Here is the history.

I live in Ontario Canada and the problem has progressively become worst as the temperature has decreased. I have a 1998 Ford Explorer Limited 4.0L with the SOHC. In September everything was fine. In October when the temperatures were getting down to 5 celcius or sometimes lower it all started. When I turned the key to the start position the truck would turn over as if it is going to start so I would let go of the key, but it did not start up. I would then try to start it again and sometimes it would start up and other times it would just turn over until I gave it a shot of gas. A few times I would have to keep my foot on the gas pedal or it would stall out (It would not always rev to the higher RPM). As the temperatures are getting colder the problem has been getting worse. In October and early November I would just turn and hold the key to the start position and it would usually start after the second round of turning over. I should mention that if I shut the vehicle off and it is warm it will start up right away, but if it sits for an hour or two it is back to square one. Now that the temps are below 0 celcius there is no chance of it starting without me pushing the gas pedal in. I often (more so than not) have to keep my foot on the gas for a while or else it will just stall. Once it idles by itself it is smooth and not choppy and there is no whine or noise that I can hear coming from the engine (AIC).

I wanted to confirm that the cold had something to do with the problem so today I parked the Explorer in a heated garage (18 degrees celcius) and after about 4 hours in there it started up like it did this summer.

From what I've read similar issues have been AIC, Intake gasket, fuel filter, fuel pump. From what you've read what do you guys think. I have to admit that I'm not a "car" guy but I have do some work before (alternator, electrical troubleshooting and other simple stuff) and I'm fine with trying most things.

Thanks for helping out in advance

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It could be the engine coolant temperature sensor, mass air flow sensor or the fuel pressure regulator. I would bet on the ECT. This chart is # 25 in my list of useful threads:

 

[shortstack]

it could be the battery also check to see how low it when when u turn your key to start it. the cold can do it to the battery's. do you ahve a engein block heater? if not get an external tank heater and have have a mechanic route it so it circulates threw everything. it will start better and you'll have warm air within 1 minute of starting it. i have a 1000watt in mine

 

[BrooklynBay]

What's the temperature in Alaska now?

 

[shortstack]

its been about low 20's

 

[BrooklynBay]

That's the temperature where I am now (about 25 Fahrenheit).

 

[shortstack]

well right now its like 16, we are having a weird winter almost no snow, it had snowed like a 1ft worth but the next week we had 40ish temp now we only have like an inch or two.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The weatherman predicts snow for 4 days this week in my area.

 

[fawks]

Thanks for bringing me back to basics. To be honest I never even considered the battery since it turns over so well. I should know better than to assume. I'll take a good look at the battery today.

By the way Shortstack I see you're a UFC fan. JSP rules (I'm not just saying that cause he's Canadian), as Hughes is going to find out again on the 29th. I loved the way that he wipped that stupid grin off of Hughes' face in the first fight. But as you know with UFC anything can happen.

 

[JDraper]

I wouldn't think that was a battery problem with the symptoms you described. I would thing it's either the coolant temperature sensor or the fuel pressure regulator.

Try this next time it's cold. Cycle the key to on, but don't start it. Leave it there for 5 seconds and then cycle it to off. Do this 2 or three times, and then try to start it. If it fires right up, it's most likely fuel pressure related. If it doesn't, it's probably ECT sensor or IAC.

 

[marcs]

Hi Fawks

Go to the auto parts store and get a book on OBD-II systems. It will explain in plain english how the engine management systems work in your explorer. In all vehicles after 1996 for that matter.( at least in the states) Great info on trouble shooting sensors, and other stuff. I have had problems with the fuel pressure regulator on an f-150. Best thing I think is to let a competent mechanic check your fuel pressure too. good luck

 

[budwich]

Since you can "readily" reproduce your problem, you are well on your way to finding the culprit.... especially with our current "nice testing" weather...

Here is your "hunting trick". On any cold morning (every day from now on until March... , get your self a hair dryer or heat gun if the wife won't let you have her dryer. Run it on hot of course. The key: point it at something that you think needs "attention" in terms of heat. Try your coil pack, the IAC, temperature sensors, MAF, CPS, etc. Do one at a time... a minute or two... don't melt the things. Try a test start after each "heated item". Hopefully you will notice a difference on an component and take it from there. You might not get thru all components in one test "cycle" as a "half startup" might be enough to negate further testing with heat and you have to let things cool back down before continuing.

Anyways, you probably get the idea. I have used this a couple of time to find connector issues.

 

[daffy]

lower intake seals, do some searches, and see if it matches what you're experiencing. When mine went bad, same problem, worked fine into early November.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you get a code before you replaced them?

 

[Htown451]

I kinda of have the same problem although not as bad in my 01 sport

i took to a shop
they told me two things:
1. My comp showed that it sensed a break-in and the ford theft system kicked in, since it was a mis-read of sorts, i think the comp may have messed up and would prevent the truck from staring before a few tries, hard to explain maybe

2. My throttle body was real dirty (either the throttle body or manifold i cant recall) but they went in cleaned her out REAL good, purred like a kitten

only problem is that now in cold temps i have a light on in the dash that says "check gauge" i looked in the owners manual but it didnt seem to relate or make much sense for that matter

 

[BrooklynBay]

Have Autozone connect a scanner to it.

 

[rob17san]

When i first got my explorer, in 2003 we had a blizzard. It was a month after I got it. I went out to start it in the cold and wouldnt start with a flick of the key. It would only stay running if I gave it a little gas. I took it to the STEALERSHIP and it was the IAC. They charged my $250. They also used the BG 44k fuel cleaner in it. My bet is on your IAC. Same exact problem I had.
Rob

 

[rob17san]

You may try cleaning your IAC as well. ITs really simple to get to. Or, you can try using SEAFOAM. If you are using seafoam, there is a chance that it would foul the spark plugs. It did to me and a few other users here. If you know ahead of time it is ok. Also, you would need an oil change immediately after. i really think its your IAC. Its a common problem, especially when its cold outside. Like I said, mine did the same thing when we got that blizzard. Try cleaning it, then try seafoam. If all else fails, replace it. I would personally just replace it with one you find on the internet cheap. If I know ahead of time what it was, i would have saved over $200.

 

[rob17san]

it could be the battery also check to see how low it when when u turn your key to start it. the cold can do it to the battery's. do you ahve a engein block heater? if not get an external tank heater and have have a mechanic route it so it circulates threw everything. it will start better and you'll have warm air within 1 minute of starting it. i have a 1000watt in mine

i have to disagree. i do not think its the battery. The Oil Pan heater is always a good idea in a cold climate and on Diesels.

 

[fawks]

Hey everyone, thanks for all you're thoughts. I haven't been able to do a lot of troubleshooting yet for several reasons (newborn 2 weeks ago, ice/snow storm and shift work) however, the Heavy Equipment mechanic at work tested my battery today and found that it was o.k.

Have Autozone connect a scanner to it

There is no Autozone here in Canada so I won't be able to take advantage of this. But I will see if the the mechanic at work has a scanner (never thought to ask until now). In the meantime I think I'll start with the AIC. I've read the numerous post about this procedure and feel pretty comfortable cleaning/replacing it.