Delayed morning start

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Apr 13, 2006 | 07:31 PM

FatDutchMn

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Delayed morning start

My 2001 Escape has a failed start, after setting unused for several days. It appears to start and dies. Usually on the second try it starts rapidly, similar to a choked carbureator. It will start ok for the remainer of its use. Any input as to what to repair/replace/service?

Apr 13, 2006 | 09:10 PM

ove1

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From: Minnesota

Can you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds when you first turn on the key? Turn the key off and back on a couple of more times before cranking the engine. If that helps, you may have a leaky injector or fuel pump check valve that is allowing the fuel pressure to bleed down so that one prime isn't enough. It also could be a sticky idle air control that pops loose after the first time the engine fires and dies. Cracking the throttle while cranking should get around that and confirm that the IAC is causing it. I assume that the check engine light doesn't turn on when this happens?

Apr 14, 2006 | 11:39 AM

FatDutchMn

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No check engine light. What does "cracking the throttle" mean that I should perform?

Apr 14, 2006 | 12:18 PM

ove1

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From: Minnesota

Just hold the accelerator pedal down slightly (don't floor it) while cranking the engine. This will open the throttle plate enough to provide intake air in case the the IAC is stuck closed or plugged. With everything working correctly, the PCM computer opens the IAC to provide adequate intake air and you should keep your foot off of the accelerator.

Apr 14, 2006 | 01:50 PM

FatDutchMn

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It would appear that using this method allows it to start immediately. What is the procedure for repairing or providing fluid to clear up the sticking IAC part?

Apr 15, 2006 | 11:43 AM

ove1

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From: Minnesota

Remove the IAC and clean it with throttle body cleaner. That works sometimes. If it doesn't, you'll have to replace it. It's the silver cylinder above the throttle body held on by two screws and has one electrical connector.

Apr 15, 2006 | 03:29 PM

cc322

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My wifes is in the shop right now for stalling, this thing has been doing it since about 1 year after we bought it been back to the dealer several times If they cant fix it bye bye escape hello Toyota or Nissan. Hopefully ford will see how many times it has been in for the same thing and pick up some of the repair cost even though it has 67,000 miles on it. She is not happy with her escape.