Cold Start Ranger

[brwntom]

I have a 2000 ford ranger with the 2.5L in it. When I went to start my truck this morning it was about -3F. It turned over and started then it died after about an second. I tried restarting it and it wouldn't restart and stay running without pushing & holding the gas peddle for about 30 seconds. Is this normal? If it is why does it happen? If it isn't normal why is my truck doing it, and how would I fix it?

Thankz Bunchez!

 

[snake]

Not normal. Could have a clogged fuel filter, or bad cold start sensor. Maybe even a vacuum leak.

 

[brwntom]

How would i trouble shoot the possible problems if it was one of these?

 

[snake]

I'm out of town right now so I can't really help you out until I get to my service manual. If you haven't changed the fuel filter lately, I'd try that first and see if it helps.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

could also be water frozen in the fuel lines, choking the fuel off.

hows high RPM/load operation?

might also check to see if your IAC is stuck closed due to the cold.

 

[Beast4x4]

same thing happened to my mom's Mustang GT once, turned out to be a bad Mass Airflow Sensor, the difference with this was it would do this warm or cold outside. cold weather did make it harder to start

 

[brwntom]

It has not done it since that -3F day. I am thinking that it was a little ice in the fuel line. Next time they forecast it getting that cold out i think I will buy a container of HEAT and put it in and see what happens. How often should I change the fuel filter anyways?


And just another random question. I heard that with a 4cyl 5 spd Stick going down the high way with a head wind at 70+ MPH in 5th can be a little tough. like you either need to shift into 4th or turn off the air, is there any truth behind this?

 

[rangerbum]

I dont agree with turning off the air. I found this summer that if I'm driving with my speedo right at 70, and my foot perfectly still, and I turn off the air my truck slugs down oddly enough; turn it back on and my speed picks back up. Its not a big difference, and youd have to be pretty "in touch" with your vehicle to notice.

As for downshifting, yes that is a good idea depending on the wind speed and how much the truck is struggling. The "5th" gear you refer to is overdrive, and basically useless for power and torque. If you are using it while the truck is working hard(hauling a big load, climbing hills, or fighting wind) it puts more stress on the engine than the higher Rpm's would.