1997 CVPI - Cold Start Problem

Hello! I have a 1997 Crown Vic P71 (81k miles), and when I try to start the car in the morning (cold) I have a heck of a time getting it running. However, once I get it running, it runs very well for the rest of the day. In fact, all the rest of the cold starts the rest of the day are no problem at all.

Here is what happens:

I attempt to start the car, it fails. Almost fires and then dies. I have to retry 5 to 10 times, and finally if I give it almost full throttle (after at least 3 to 5 tries), it will start...run VERY rough for a second or two, then kick to normal cold fast idle after a couple seconds and all is good from then on. At that point, the car will run smoothly and without problems.

I have connected an ODB-II reader to the car (http://www.autoenginuity.com/index.html) and get no codes either active or pending when the problem occurs. If you have any suggestion of a sensor to monitor, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!!!!

--Randall


As a side note: I do notice a *slight* hesitation sometimes when I give it some throttle (starting from a stop, but not accellerating heavily). I have replaced the airfilter and PCV valve, and it does run much smoother now. I do intend to replace the plugs and wires soon, just waiting for warmer weather. :-)

It sounds like the Idle Air Control is malfunctioning when cold, not letting enough air in for the engine to start.

Just as a followup...I tried what worked when I had my 1996 Bronco...I took a wrench and "tapped" the solenoid on the IAC valve several times prior to trying to start the car this morning, and it is a LOT better. I have a new IAC on order, and anticipate that it is the solution.

Thanks! I had forgotten that one part...$50 will fix it all. :-) Although, this time I will try cleaning the IAC valve and see if that works. If so, then I can return the new part...if not...then I have the old one ready to go.

I would advise against cleaning it, of the hundreds of times it's tried, it has never been a real fix, you will end up replacing it anyway rather soon.

A friend at work had cleaned the IAC on his old Jeep...and it seems to be working...but if you are not seeing good longterm results...then I will just replace it and be happy. Hard to beat a good sub $100 repair!! Just wish it was as simple to get at as the 5.8 IAC!! :-)

It IS, nothing is easier. The '90-'95s were a real pain, but since '96 they are all in the center of the intake on the TB.

The Jeep uses a completely different type of idle air control, it can be cleaned with decent results like most other GM type IACs.

I have the same problem mine has 75,000 miles could you forward a picture of the faulty part or describe a little better were it is located. What is the TB? Thanks