starting
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 131
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From: Midwest
starting
I have a '97 F-150 that does not want to start when it is around 20 degrees or colder. It will spit and sputter for a few seconds @ 500 rpm's. Then will die. I usually have to try it 3 times, then it will go ahead and run. After it has been run, it will start fine the rest of the day. New spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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Next time this happens, press down slightly on the gas pedal while starting the engine. If it starts promptly under those circumstances, and idles well as long as the pedal is slightly depressed, it's probably a bad IAC (Idle Air Control Solenoid). If it is, the symptoms will go away once the engine is warmed up. IAC's appear to act up more during cold weather.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I would replace the IAC that is located on the throttlebody. It sounds like it is sticking causing it not to properly control the idle when cold.
I do not think that you have a fuel pressure problem. By holding the gas down a little bit, you are doing the same thing that the IAC would do. Let more air into the engine.
Jimmy
I do not think that you have a fuel pressure problem. By holding the gas down a little bit, you are doing the same thing that the IAC would do. Let more air into the engine.
Jimmy
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11
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From: Danville, Alabama
IAC sensor
Yeah had same problem with mine replaced IAC no problems since. Simple fix. part only costs about 20 or 25 dollars. one bolt one sensor prob solved.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Midwest
Just replaced the IAC and it starts right up. Been having some below zero mornings and no problems. Thanks for all of your help.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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While we're on starting problems... My 2002 F-150 5.8 experiences a cold starting problem at all ambient temperatures. The starter has to spin approx. 2 seconds before the engine fires. Once it fires, it will start fine until fully cold again.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Hi southof30a150 and welcome aboard 
Do you still have warranty on your truck? If so you might want to leave it at your dealer overnight so they can check it cold.
I would probably hook up a fuel pressure gauge the night before so i could watch it when I first tried to start it. It could be slow building fuel pressure which would make it hard to start.
Something you could try would be, before you start it, cycle the key from off to run a few times without actually cranking it. This should build the fuel pressure in the rails and might give you a clue whether that's a problem or not.
Do you still have warranty on your truck? If so you might want to leave it at your dealer overnight so they can check it cold.
I would probably hook up a fuel pressure gauge the night before so i could watch it when I first tried to start it. It could be slow building fuel pressure which would make it hard to start.
Something you could try would be, before you start it, cycle the key from off to run a few times without actually cranking it. This should build the fuel pressure in the rails and might give you a clue whether that's a problem or not.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
I think about the only way the Vortec would make a difference in your case would be if the fuel pressure regulator was replaced when the supercharger was added. It may have failed.
I would also think about a bad fuel pump. It could be slow to build pressure.
I would also think about a bad fuel pump. It could be slow to build pressure.
