'99 Mtneer cold start problem

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Dec 6, 2005 | 08:19 PM

Rick78

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From: Montana

'99 Mtneer cold start problem

My daughter just picked up a 99 Mtneer w/SOHC 4.0 . The last couple of mornings when starting, it fired up and went to fast idle, then would slow down to about 200rpm, jump back up to 1800-2000, then back down again. It did this several times before smoothing out. Subsequent starts throughout the day were fine. The first time it did this, the check engine light came on after about five minutes. Second morning it didn't. Ambient temperature was around 5 degrees F. The Mountaineer has 130K on the clock. The vehicle has been very well maintained, inside and out. We test drove several Explorers before finding this one, some with 50-60k less mileage, and this one stood out in quality of ride, noise level, quiet engine, transmission performance, etc.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Regards, Rick

Dec 6, 2005 | 09:26 PM

1081

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From: Kansas City, Missouri

Is the CEL still on? If so it might be worth going by Advanced Auto and having it read. You probably just have a bad sensor.

Dec 6, 2005 | 10:12 PM

Rick78

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From: Montana

The second morning,cold start, the CEL did not come on.
Regards, Rick

Dec 7, 2005 | 04:07 AM

srercrcr

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I would have it scanned for codes.
It's my understanding the codes are stored even if the CEL goes out.

Dec 7, 2005 | 09:10 AM

JerrySimm

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

Yes, get it scanned. Codes are stored, sometimes even without the CEL coming on. Also, search this forum for Vacuum Leak and Intake Manifold. I've read a few posts regarding the intakes on 2nd Generation explorers with the 4.0L having leaks around O-Rings. These could seal after the parts heat up and expand. Also, you may want to check and clean your IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve.

Dec 7, 2005 | 07:27 PM

Rick78

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From: Montana

thanks for the replys, fellas. Have an appointment with the local Ford dealership tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll find something out. This info will give me some ability to sound knowledgable when I talk to the mechanic.
If it happens to be the intake manifold gasket/o-rings, I believe I'll be having a talk with the dealership that sold it to her. (in a different town, one of the largest in the state) When we walked over to the vehicle to test drive it, it was already running. Huh, wonder why? I don't want to jump the gun, so we'll see what the shop has to say tomorrow. Might be something simple.
Regards, Rick

Dec 9, 2005 | 11:43 PM

Rick78

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From: Montana

Got the report from the shop today. They said the timing chain
tensioners need to be replaced pronto.... it's making a lot of noise. I don't hear worth a darn any more, but my daughter says it's pretty noisy, so it will be fixed. Said they did a check for intake leakage,didn't find any. Ran the codes, here they are.
PO171 Bank 1 lean
PO174 bank 2 lean
PO232 fuel pump secondary high
PO304 cyl 4 misfire
P1138 O2 1-2 rich
P1132 1-1 rich
P1152 2-1 rich
P1158 2-2 rich

They said some were continuous, and most were stored. They believe that replacing the IAC will cure most the woes. The only thing that seems to be an issue as far as driveability is the cold start issue, certainly cant feel any misfire etc when driving. What say you all.
Regards, Rick

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Dec 10, 2005 | 05:54 PM

Rick78

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From: Montana

1081, that's what I'm hoping will happen. They will do the work either Mon. or Tue, so we will soon see.
Rick

Dec 18, 2005 | 01:06 AM

#10

Rick78

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From: Montana

Got the Mtneer back yesterday. They put a new tensioner kit in, which also included a lower intake gasket kit, also installed. New IAC installed as well.
All previous cold start issues resolved. This a.m. it was 2 degrees above, started and idled fine. The shop bill was reasonable, $405. Thanks for all the feed-back. Great knowledge base here!
Regards, Rick

Dec 18, 2005 | 06:26 AM

#11

allan1010

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That's good to hear. I thought you had to pull the complete engine to replace the timing chain tensioners?

Dec 18, 2005 | 07:59 AM

#12

dogman

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From: Tampa

Rick78, there was a recalls on your daughter ride you may want to look in to. Dealers wont look them up . It cost them money to do them. here the list:

Recall Lookup : MERCURY : 1999 : MOUNTAINEER
Select a recalls summary to display.
1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 00V072000 15627 20000307 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 99V164000 15562 19990629 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 03V281000 16207 20030805 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 99V123000 15541 19990518 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: ...
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1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 99V062001 27196 19990330 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ...
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1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER: 03V280000 16206 20030805 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES: ...

Dec 18, 2005 | 06:28 PM

#13

Rick78

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From: Montana

Allan1010, apparently they were able to replace the tensioners w/out pulling the engine. I noticed when the parts gal pulled up the part number for the repair kit it showed an install labor chg. of 1.5 hrs.
Dogman, thanks for the info, I'll look into it.
Regards, Rick