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cold idle problem

Old Jan 11, 2012 | 02:09 PM
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cold idle problem

when i start the truck when its cold it doesnt want to bump up to cold idle. itll shake and sputter and drop back into low idle and when it tries again itll do the same thing. dad says something about the fuel filter prewarmer not working? is the prewarmer wire next to the air intake? if so i think i broke that sensor
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 02:32 PM
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I was actually just about to post a question about this. I have the same issue and the only way i can make it hit fast idle is to bump the throttle. If I don't, it just idle rough and crappy. If you don't mind, I would like to tag along on this thread.

Tristan
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 02:55 PM
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turbo diesel fan
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no feel free to bud
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 03:06 PM
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i just realized that we have a second issue in common; I'm guessing the preheater is the plug in the top of the fuel filter housing? mine is broken too...
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 03:23 PM
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turbo diesel fan
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i looked it up on google it mine says its a vacuum sensor mines on the side right next to the intake tube for the turbo
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by TristanB
the only way i can make it hit fast idle is to bump the throttle.
This is true, the fast idle solenoid doesn't have the power to push the throttle lever forward. Once you bump it up with your foot it should hold fine.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by tecgod13
This is true, the fast idle solenoid doesn't have the power to push the throttle lever forward. Once you bump it up with your foot it should hold fine.
Same here, just bump the go pedal before i fire it up.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:52 AM
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fuel heater is not needed. mine has not worked for about 19 years.
check for power to the fast idle solenoid on the injector pump.
if no power there, check that the temp sender plugged in.
it is on the front of the engine next to the thermostat housing under the alternator.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 11:17 AM
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I have had it when its really cold. 5 degrees or so that when you start it on fast idle it will only go 600 rpms but once it get a little warmer it moves up to where it should be. Also had it stall on me since it was so cold. The starting directions says have the pedal pressed to the floor if really cold and the extra fuel sure does help, just don't over rev it when its cold get a hang of it when it catches.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 06:17 PM
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i just dont understand y it wont bump up on its own it just cough and lower the idle again and try to bump up again and cough
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:25 PM
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Depending on how cold it is, your fuel could be jelled up, or your fuel filter has water in it that has frozen. Jelled up fuel can cause idling (and running) problems until it gets warm under the hood, or until warm fuel returns to the fuel tank in enough quantity to heat the fuel past jelling point.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by turbo diesel fan
i just dont understand y it wont bump up on its own it just cough and lower the idle again and try to bump up again and cough
I don't get what you are saying?? You NEED to step on the pedal for the fast idle solenoid to work properly. My guess is that it was designed that way, perhaps a cheaper solenoid could be used and Ford saves a few pennies. If the sticker is still there, directions for cold starting are on the driver's side sun visor.

Have you checked the wiring to the timing advance solenoid (can't remember if thats exactly what its called). When the coolant is below a given temperature, the sender will send power to both the cold idle solenoid and the timing advance solenoid.
Perhaps one, or both of the solenoids aren't working correctly. With the truck cold, pop the hood and turn the key on (but don't start the truck). Push on the throttle lever on the injection pump and see if the cold idle solenoid pops out. Release the throttle and see if the solenoid props it up. Unplug the wire on the solenoid and see if the throttle lever drops back down.

How old are your injectors and injection pump?
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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2nd the bumpin of the pedal, i have to do the same and its fine
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by turbo diesel fan
i just dont understand y it wont bump up on its own it just cough and lower the idle again and try to bump up again and cough
High on the IDI is set up like car with cab on it choke won't set intill you hit the pedal. just remember you have key on first before hitting the pedal
 
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by tecgod13
I don't get what you are saying?? You NEED to step on the pedal for the fast idle solenoid to work properly. My guess is that it was designed that way, perhaps a cheaper solenoid could be used and Ford saves a few pennies. If the sticker is still there, directions for cold starting are on the driver's side sun visor.

Have you checked the wiring to the timing advance solenoid (can't remember if thats exactly what its called). When the coolant is below a given temperature, the sender will send power to both the cold idle solenoid and the timing advance solenoid.
Perhaps one, or both of the solenoids aren't working correctly. With the truck cold, pop the hood and turn the key on (but don't start the truck). Push on the throttle lever on the injection pump and see if the cold idle solenoid pops out. Release the throttle and see if the solenoid props it up. Unplug the wire on the solenoid and see if the throttle lever drops back down.

How old are your injectors and injection pump?
i have had the truck for about 3 yrs and i have no clue when they were replaced
 
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