Very Hard Starting when Engine is cold

[Brian.Smith]

OK, I known this ones not a Ranger.. BUT.. I have a 95 Taurus with 134000 miles. Thing is damn near impossible to start when cold. Takes a good 15 min. of cranking and when it starts the exh. is rich and then clears out as it warms up. After it is warmed up it runs great and will start easily with no problems what soever. I have a code reader but it is so hard to folow the beeps and flashes. Two codes I can make out every time... 121 & 116. HELP!!

 

[Brian.Smith]

OH ya it's a 3.0 EFI

 

[JP02XLT]

The coolant temp sensor (for the ECU) needs to be checked, to see what temp it is reporting that the engine is at, incorrect temp reported to the ECU can make a vehicle very hard to start in cold weather. P0116 is the coolant temp sensor & P0121 is the throttle position sensor. I would check the temp sensor 1st.

JP02XLT

 

[99RangerBoss]

buy a block heater if you don't have one too!

 

[Brian.Smith]

I am getting a heater today. Napa also has the magnetic type the sticks to your oil pan. Has anyone ever used one of these?

 

[Rearanger]

I am getting a heater today. Napa also has the magnetic type the sticks to your oil pan. Has anyone ever used one of these?

Oil heater won't help your hard start cold problem. Block heater is best.

 

[JP02XLT]

You have codes being displayed, you need to fix those situations first. adding a block heater may or may not help the situation on a vehicle that is not running as it should.

JP02XLT

 

[Brian.Smith]

Put a block heater in today and changed the coolant temp. sensor. fired up lik a million bucks BUT will leave it unplugged this weekend to see if it starts when stone cold!

 

[JP02XLT]

Good to hear, Hope that has you fixed.

JP02XLT

 

[09ajmaros]

Yeah im glad my truck has a block heater, sure helps alot.

Let us know if it still throws the code(s) with a complete cold start.

 

[JP02XLT]

It was 0 ambient here this morning, my truck sits outside, I hit the remote & it started like it was spring. The big deal in the winter is If you have enough battery to crank it, with fuel injection if things are right it should fire right off, within 3-4 revolutions of the engine. I do agree the block heaters make it easier on the starter motor, & due to the oil not getting as stiff & the start up wear factor. I run synthetic oil anyway, so honestly I really cant tell much difference in how mine starts from summer to winter, other than the SC whines a bit more in the winter when its below 10.

JP02XLT