97 Taurus Rough Cold Start

Please help. I have a 97 4d Taurus. I overheated it about 2 months ago and had it checked out. I had the radiator flushed but instead had to get a new because aparently the other owner never flushed it and rusted it out. I also had a new thermostat put in too. After I overheated the engine I have had rough cold starts. It would just about stall, but after about 10-20 seconds would run fine. My mechanic saw no signs of a cracked head hasket. He told me to inspect the spark plugs, which I did and cleaned them. It ran fine for about 2 days and now the same problem persists. Any ideas as to what needs to be done? Thanks in advance.

Which engine does your Taurus have (ie: 12V vulcan, 24V DOHC Duratech, or 32V DOHC SHO)?

A faulty coolant temperature sensor or intake air temperature sensor on any of the engine types could contribute, as could a dirty MAF or pocket of air in the cooling system.

Also, a stuck or partially open EGR valve or faulty DPFE sensor could cause similar symptoms as well.

If you have the Duratech and the secondary intake runner valves are stuck open for some reason, it would definitely cause what you describe.

-Rod

Thanks Rod,

I will let you know as soon as I can check it out. I believe I have the basic 24valve DOHC Duratech.

DPFE sensor could cause similar symptoms as well.

May seem silly, but what is the accronym DPFE? :dunno:

Is it the equivilant of a evaporative emmissions (EVAP) set up?

DPFE = Differential Pressure Feedback EGR. This is the sensor that controls vacuum to the EGR valve.

-Rod

Thank you sir! :thumbsup:

I appriciate your help. I cleaned the spark plugs and so far it seems to have cured the problem. It starts fine...for now.

Thank you for the follow-up post.

If it does act up again, you may want to consider a tune up with new spark plugs, new plug wires (or did they use Coil-on-Plug in '97?) and a new fuel filter.

-Rod