 Starting Problems: Engine Sputters In Cold Weather
Posted by carsandtrucks on Wednesday, December 17 @ 07:17:27 PST
Question: I have a '95 Ford Ranger. When it gets really cold outside it doesn't like to start. I'll turn it on, the battery does its thing, then the engine revvs for about 3 seconds and then it starts to sputter and shake the truck. If i don't give it gas, it dies. So I turn it back on and it revvs and starts to sputter, so I give it gas and it revvs again and sputters and I give it gas and so on and so forth for probably 20 or so of these cycles, up to 5 minutes just to get my truck started so it won't die. This is always
in weather that is usually below freezing. We live in Oklahoma so it doesn't really freeze that often, but when it does my truck hates it. Can you tell me what's wrong with it or what I need to be doing to help it start better in the cold?
Answer: The symptoms you describe sound like a sticking Idle Air Control (IAC). The IAC can be effected by temperature. A simple test is the next time the problem occurs, allow the engine to stall, open the hood and locate the IAC. Tap on the IAC with a hammer. (light tap) If the IAC is sticking this will free it and the idle will return when you restart the vehicle. On a 95 Ranger the IAC is located on top of the engine just about dead center. The item is cylinder shaped approximately 3" long with a wire connector plugging into one end. If you are unable to locate the IAC, make a quick visit to a dealership or repair shop and they can point it out for you. This is a simple device to change should you decide to do the work yourself. Good luck. Let us know if the diagnosis corrects the problem.
This answer was provided by Patrick Murray, Yankee Ford Service Manager, www.yankeeford.com. See Yankee Ford’s online inventory of new and used vehicles.
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