01 dohc surging

[plasticsun]

My 2001 taurus with a 3.0 DOHC surges shortly after starting the engine, ONLY when cold and only last for 5 to 10 seconds. Once it clears out it does not surge again until you let it set long enough for the engine to cool down. It does not matter if it is in gear or not and having the air on or off makes no difference. There is no check engine light coming on. I tried a spare MAF and it still did the same thing. Any help would be appreciated.
THANKS

[Huney1]

• TSB #0335 -- IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT (NHTSA ID #10002482, FEBRUARY 17 2003)

2001 Ford Taurus TSBs -- [ CarComplaints.com ]

2001 Ford Taurus TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) ... JULY 01 2003); TSB #0335 -- IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. ...

The Idle Control Valve (ICV) is probably the most common cause of
surging problems as it's soul purpose is to control idle speed and is constantly
adjusting itself to correct for different operating conditions.
A common problem with these is a sticking air valve which can be cleaned
with carburettor cleaner to make the mechanism work freely again. But
once the ICV becomes VERY worn, it will typically cause the car
to stall at traffic lights. The only solution is replacement. Leading
up to this severe failure, you will typically experience idle speed problems
as the mechanism gradually wears out. Eg. idle becomes too slow. (can
also be caused by intake air leaks)

It's a good idea to take a look at the ICV whenever you have idle
problems. Taking the time to clean the valve and make sure it's operation
is unrestriced by dirt, gum, etc, is good preventative maintenance.

The IAC is right on top of the upper intake, is held on by two bolts, and just has a electrical connector going to it. I took mine off and sprayerd the inside and let it set a few seconds then shook it off and did it again a few more times. Mass air flow sensor cleaner is what I used and then put a drop of oil in the shaft inside and it worked great. Takes ten minutes to clean it and new ones run about $50. bucks. My 03 Vulcan was surging and now it runs great. Check your pcv valve and it should sit in the grommet tight. They're both cheap so I'd replace them to. The ICV is shaped like a small tin can sits on top of the intake hose held by two small bolts and electrical connection and when you look inside you'll see the shaft and piston.

http://www.carjunky.com/shop_cj/bdn/...W45e4d1f8afe06
Your's may look different than mine but before I was told to clean it I found it at advance auto parts for $50. and it looked like the one on the left: http://www.inct.net/~autotips/undrhood.htm

[plasticsun]

I disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes, the problem is gone(for now). Any ideas?

[Huney1]

Drive it and see what happens and if the surging starts again do what we suggested clean or replace the ICV and I would make sure the MAFS is nice & clean. http://www.autobarn.net/maairflsecl1.html I found it at Advance auto parts.

[plasticsun]

Cleaned the ICV before disconnecting the battery, it still surged. As in my original post, I have already tried a different MAFS with no different results.

Thanks,
Fred

[Huney1]

I know you tried another MAFS but if it wasn't clean it could cause surging. Is the fuel filter clean? You want to make sure no vacuum leaks so the PCV valve should be clean or replace and the grommet it sits in should make a tight seal. New valve and grommet about eight bucks and probably needs replacing anyway. You said you cleaned the ICV but if the piston is sticking or stuck that will definitely cause surging. "But once the ICV becomes VERY worn, it will typically cause the car to stall at traffic lights. The only solution is replacement. I priced a new one at Advance and it's $50.

Intake air leaks will cause surging so start at the air filter and go all the way to where the tube connects to the intake manifold and double check for leaks or cracks or loose clamps or anything that could be leaking. other than that, the grommet around the PCV has to be tight and I don't know any other place air could leak into the engine. I wonder if there could be codes stored and you don't know it. Might swing by a parts store and have them pull them and see. I believe there's a fuel pressure test to see if the fuel pump is making enough pressure for the injectors.