Runs Bad When Cold - Please Help!

[simaronde03]

Heres my situation. When I try to start the engine when its cold I have to hold my foot on the pedal to keep it froming dying. I took my 1999 to autozone and they pulled a 0171 and 0174 code. Which relates to the O2 sensors. They reset the computer and after 4 days I have yet to get a CEL. Which is good.

But it still runs bad when cold. Has a rough idle/studdering when cold. And if you try to put any load on it i.e., put it into drive, reverse, turn a/c on, when cold, the battery light comes on and it wants to die.

It isnt so bad when warm but is still noticeable. If i pull up to a stop sign when warm the idle dips a little like its thinking of dying. I checked the vacuum lines, PCV valve, air filter, intake.

What could be my problem? IAC, ECTS seem to be the most common according to my search.

[KPVSR]

Read through the post I started titlied '99 Windstar Running Lean. The 171 & 174 codes may not be the O2 sensors but a bigger problem alltogether.
If not that it sounds alot like the way my '93 Escort was running. In that situation it was the Idle Air Controler by the throttle body.

[simaronde03]

Yeah i posted on that thread KVPSR. Those codes are cleared and have yet to come back.(fingers crossed). I'm gonna go clean my IAC right now. I will post how it turned out.

[simaronde03]

Pulled the IAC off. Had lots of carbon BUT something stuck out and I dont think its normal...

Inside the IAC there is a rod that is spring loaded. There is also a rubber boot on one end. And the spring carries over through a hole to the other end. The boot looks like it should be flush against the wall separating the two chambers...BUT IT IS NOT. IS THIS NORMAL?? is the rubber boot supposed to be seated against the metal opening?

[simaronde03]

You were right about the IAC KPVSR!!