Hard to start when cold
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Lebanon, MO
Hard to start when cold
My 1995 F150 has a 5.0 and it doesn't want to start when it is cold. It sounds like I am starting a tractor. It fires on occasion but doesn't want to run. If I keep at it I can get it going. Runs fine when the weather is warm. What are the most common causes?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Could be a bad ECT/engine coolant temp sensor.
See this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...t-testing.html
See this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...t-testing.html
Post Fiend
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Lebanon, MO
I recently bought the truck and don't know all that much about it. Normally it runs very well. It seems to be in very good condition for a truck with 200,000. It seems to have been well taken care of as evidenced in the avatar photo. I have made no changes since I have owned it and have probably only drove it a total of a few hundred miles. Most of which were around my small town. That is about all I know about it.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Well, i would have taken a couple of seconds to test the old one first.
FYI, the ECT is a 2 wire sensor & tells the PCM the engine temp to help with starting.
The other temp sensor is a single wire for the temp gauge on the dash.
Like quicklook said replacing tune up items is an xlnt idea.
BTW, when it wont start have you tried cycling the key on for 2 seconds then off & repeating 5 times then turn key to start? Any difference?
FYI, the ECT is a 2 wire sensor & tells the PCM the engine temp to help with starting.
The other temp sensor is a single wire for the temp gauge on the dash.
Like quicklook said replacing tune up items is an xlnt idea.
BTW, when it wont start have you tried cycling the key on for 2 seconds then off & repeating 5 times then turn key to start? Any difference?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Fulton County, Pa.
I agree double on the tune-up. Usually one of the first things I do when buying a used vehicle unless I know it's been done recently or miles are low enough not to need it. Personal opinion tune-up is ALL filters ( air, fuel, & breather if equipped ), PCV valve, plugs, wires, cap, & rotor. Plus set timing ( if applicable ). If I remember right ( my memory has this nasty habit of lying to me ), yours is a '92 302. You should still have adjustable timing. Just be sure to unplug the spout before setting. Am sure some of these more experienced people can give you more ( & better ) advice. That's just where where I'd start. Again, this is just my personal opinion, other people may say do more or less for the tune-up.
P.S. you may also want to do the SeaFoam® thing too.
P.S. you may also want to do the SeaFoam® thing too.
Last edited by 1OldFordMan; Nov 19, 2009 at 11:25 AM. Reason: Add P.S.
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