Engine dies at start up, running rough.

[Micholi]

Ok, as the title says...when I start my truck it revs up...runs for a few seconds and then dies.I can restart it and it will stay running, but rough or un-even...it idles high, then low, high, then low...

94 Ranger, V6 4.0, 4x4.

Here is how it first occured: you know how sometimes when you turn your ignition key, but not enough, and it does not start; or too much and it spins the starter? Well, I did not turn the key enough and the engine made a VERY angry sound, started up, and then died. That is how the problem started. I drove her home and parked it at home and will not be driving it till I fix it.

Am I missing something really easy? Did a regulator for the kick down blow? Mass air flow sensor thingy? The air filter needs to be serviced soon, but I do not think that would do it.

So, here's my list so far:

-sparks plugs
-wires
-distributor cap
-distributor
-air filter
-fuel injectors cleaned
-did I throw my timing chain off?!?
-did a piston collapse!?!
-are secret-female-cyborg-aliens going to take over the world?!?

Also, I live in a VERY damp environment.

Any advice is most appreciate.

Mike.

 

[Spott]

Uhm, pistons don't collapse, but lifters can. I'm pretty sure kickdown is a transmission function, and doesn't affect idle. And I've never seen any evidence that secret-female-cyborg-aliens *haven't* taken over the world...

I'd start by checking/cleaning/replacing the Idle Air Control valve, that's how the computer controls the engine idle.

 

[94RoadkillRanger]

I agree with Spott about cleaning the IAC. We just recently replaced the TPS (throttle position sensor) on our 99 Escort. There was no code but it would sometimes idle really high. We turned the engine off, restart and it was ok. Then later it would idle so low, that stomping on the gas would not even help getting up a hill. Finally the next day a code TPS. Replaced it and fixed. Before getting the code I even tried tapping on the TPS and IAC but no change in idle. The parts store had no test for either item.