95 Ranger 2.3 Will Not Start Belowe 20 Dregrees

[francerichard]

I reconnected the sensor.

 

[auto117584]

I reconnected the sensor.

OK. So your truck won't start when the computer feeds it a rich mixture. Why would that be?

Is that what the 40 seconds of heat is doing? Tricking the computer that it's a little warmer than it really is? If so, why would that make a difference?

How does one check the quality of your spark, and the quality of your fuel being delivered? Have you checked your fuel pressure? Have you checked your spark? Are both sets of plugs getting spark?

Better Ranger minds than mine will have to answer some of these questions, like why the heat helps, and what is it doing to the computer.

Also, that little puff of black smoke indicates initial fuel richness, which gets the truck started, and then the computer leans it out. Or... it could mean there's unburnt gas in the cylinders from trying to start it cold, and then when it finally starts, all that extra gas goes up in a black puff of smoke. Do ya get that black puff of smoke on days it starts all by itself? I'm guessing not.

Thanks for sharing this problem with us.... It's such a fun challenge!

Just for more info, could you try reconnecting the coolant sensor again, and when it doesn't start, try your 40 second heat treatment without reconnecting it?

 

[francerichard]

I went out this morning, it was 29 degrees out, the truck started right up and ran great. I never have a problem with it until the outside temp. drops to 20 degrees or less. I don't know, after fighting this for a couple of years, I think it's about time for this to be someone elses problem. I drove this truck for 2 years prior to this problem without any problem of any kind. It always started no matter how cold it was out. This all started 2 years ago and several mechanics nor myself can figure it out.
Thanks, for all the help.

 

[Bryan22]

where is the sensor located? maybe you're heating something else near it. the coolant sensor shouldn't make the difference in it running or not. the puff of black smoke sounds like it's getting fuel but no fire first thing in the morning.

only thing the heat may do is expand metal a bit, might be another electrical plug or sensor isn't making enough contact when it's cold outside. i'd start pulling connectors apart near the sensor, cleaning them and putting some di electric grease on them. good luck.

 

[auto117584]

I don't know, after fighting this for a couple of years, I think it's about time for this to be someone elses problem. ...
Thanks, for all the help.

Hey, don't give up!

Are you using 10W30 oil? The 10 is important for cold weather starting.


The only thing I can figure that the heating is doing is sending the computer the message that the engine is a little warmer now. How is the fuel pressure regulator checking out? Have you tested its output pressure?

What condition are your spark plug wires? Free of grease and dirt? They are not far from the hair dryer's output, not to mention the two distributors, which are sealed. I second the motion to check all your connectors, make sure they are free of grease and dirt. You'll have to use little tools to clean them up, etc.

Is your timing good? When was the timing belt last changed? I believe it's due at 60,000.

 

[francerichard]

All the connectors that I have been able to find have been checked cleaned and greased. The wires and plugs were just replaced before winter. Fresh oil and filter with 10w30 synthetic. I have been all through this thing hoping not to have this problem again. The only things close to the coolant sensor are the coil packs, which are both new. I double checked the connectors on the coil packs when I installed them. The fuel pressure checks out good. It was a little low this summer so I put a new pump and filter on it. The injectors were also taken out and taken to the shop and cleaned. What really bothers me is I can hook my scanner up to the truck, turn the key on, and check all the sensor readings. Everything looks good. The coolant and intake air both read within 2 degrees of each other and the ambient air temp. When I use the hair dryer on the coolant sensor, the scanner shows no change in the temp reading, but it will start right up. If I don't use the hair dryer,it wont. Go figure. I have checked the timing and it is right on. I think it is just time to buy a new truck.