Hard starting, EEC-IV experts?
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
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Hard starting, EEC-IV experts?
My '88 Ranger is becoming increasingly difficult to start as the weather turns colder. I normally have the engine heater plugged in overnight and it starts right up in the morning, but after it's been sitting outside in the cold at work all day it barely starts. Cranks over fine, just fires a few times but won't start. Once I get it running it's fine and it only does it when the engine is cold. I haven't checked for codes yet, wondering if it could possibly be the ECT sensor.
I was wondering if someone with more EEC-IV experience than I have could answer this question: I know the system uses KAM (Keep Alive Memory). Does the ECM use any of the stored KAM values during cranking or open loop operation? I was wondering since I use the engine heater every night if the ECM has "learned" a different value for cold starts based on the coolant temperature with the heater plugged in. If I disconnected the battery for 10 minutes to clear the KAM, will it make any difference for cold starts?
I was wondering if someone with more EEC-IV experience than I have could answer this question: I know the system uses KAM (Keep Alive Memory). Does the ECM use any of the stored KAM values during cranking or open loop operation? I was wondering since I use the engine heater every night if the ECM has "learned" a different value for cold starts based on the coolant temperature with the heater plugged in. If I disconnected the battery for 10 minutes to clear the KAM, will it make any difference for cold starts?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
As I understand EEC-IV (& OBD2 Eec-V) the ECM settings don't have much to say to get it running. Also the ECT sensor should be the last thing to suspect. I'm not an expert, but these details I have learned without any doubt on my part. Probably not getting into fast idle from a bad connection or IAC failure. Is the throttle body clean, air filter clean, fuel injector rail pressurized & so on?
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More Turbo
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I pulled the battery cable off during my lunch break and left it disconnected all afternoon and tonight it did seem to start better. I don't know if it was just a coincidence or if it actually had some effect. So...I'll see how it works tomorrow. Air filter was new last fall and I've tried cycling the key on-off-on-off repeatedly to build fuel pressure with no effect. My next step was going to be cleaning the throttle body anyway, I just wasn't sure if the learned KAM values were used during starting. It's supposed to get down to -20 by the end of the week so I don't want to be left sitting with a truck that won't start.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
I could be way off here, but it sounds like a bad connection if disconnecting the battery for a while got it running again. Of course, it could also be a drain somewhere beyond that ecm sleep mode. How old is the battery?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
O yeah, check the power wires to the coil as well as for strong spark. And when was the last time you changed the cap & rotor? It's a bugger to do, but that would definitely cause it to take a while to fire up. They should last about 15,000 miles if good quality. good wires & OEM Motorcraft or autolite plugs. Stray from that & the contacts seem wear faster.
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Battery is about two years old. It cranks over just fine, the problem is it doesn't want to fire. The plug wires were replaced about a year ago but I know it's been awhile since I did the cap and rotor. I'll see how it starts tomorrow, might pull it in after work and go through that stuff.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: St. Peter
Actualy the CTS would be one of the MAIN things that could cause this problem. Plugging it in overnight shouldnt hurt it, because all the computer knows when it starts is the coolant temp is warmer, and adjust the fuel injector pulse width accordingly. When its colder it will adjust it as necessary.
I didn't think that old of a Ranger had MAF. Isn't it MAP?
I would remove your CTS, and check the resistance vs. temp. Also check your IAT resistance vs. temp.
And just as a check I would pull the vac line on your fuel pressure regulator and make sure there is no gas in there.
I didn't think that old of a Ranger had MAF. Isn't it MAP?
I would remove your CTS, and check the resistance vs. temp. Also check your IAT resistance vs. temp.
And just as a check I would pull the vac line on your fuel pressure regulator and make sure there is no gas in there.
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Elder User
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From: Southeast MI
Yes, it's MAP, but they STILL don't seem to like oiled air filters for long. Only tried it on one example, so don't really know. I seem to remember it should start without input from that, but don't quote me please.
At least the coolant sensor should be an easy test, but I can't remember where it is now on that engine. Never had a problem like that with a bad ECT or similar.
At least the coolant sensor should be an easy test, but I can't remember where it is now on that engine. Never had a problem like that with a bad ECT or similar.