Engine races for a few seconds

[NaCL]

Hey all,
New to the forum and new to Ford Rangers. I just purchased a '97 Ranger Splash, 4 cylinder, auto, regular cab, 116K miles....

I've literally had it 2 days, and so far it's great. Did fine on the ride home (about 45 min). I did notice though, when i test drove it and when I started it this morning, as soon as it started, the engine revved way up for about 2 to 3 seconds, and I heard a sort of lound clattering noise, but it then slowed right down into a smooth idle. The night I bought it, I drove it to a friend's house and let it sit for about an hour. When i started it up again, it didn't do it. So I think it's only happening when the engine's stone cold. Seems like a minor quirk, rather than a major concern, but is it something I need to worry about? Would it be something like the IAC?

Thanks for any ideas or info.

 

[Mark_88]

If it only happened once and only when it's cold, it might be an auto adjusted idle matter that kicks off when the computer tells it to...but a spurt of 2 or 3 seconds could also be a number of things...like your A/C compressor was turned on (if you have A/C, of course)...

 

[NaCL]

well, it's happened twice...once when i test drove it (i assumed it had been sitting) and then this morning...the one time i started it when the engine was warm, it didn't happen....and it doesn't have AC...
i've also never owned a car that wasn't carbureted, so fuel injection is all new to me....

 

[jljones87]

I had a similar problem yet mine did it more frequently, but started like yours. It turned out to be the Idle air controller. But that might not be the case for you. I fixed it the first time by taping in the IAC then it kept happening again a few days later so I just broke down and bought one. Hope this helps.