1999 Taurus SE 24v DOHC starting issue

[humbug1]

Hoping for some help. When the car sits for about 30 minutes (like going to grocery store) and I go to start it, it is very sluggish and almost stalls. I have to give it gas to keep it going. Once it normalizes, the car runs great. The CEL has not come on yet so I am basically in the dark.

For some reason, if the car sits for a while (overnight or at work all day), the car starts just fine. Any thoughts as to what this could be or why it is so erratic? I took it to my mechanic today and tried to get it to do it, but of course, it wouldn't do it. He used his scanner to determine if the battery, alternator, etc was ok and the charging system was fine. I am just afraid I am going to get stuck somewhere.

Thanks for your help.

[tripletdaddy]

I'd start with replacing your fuel filter if I understand correctly that you aren't having a cranking problem. If not I don't understand why your mechanic checked your electrical system. He should have been focused on your fuel system. Changing the fuel filter is considered routine maintenance, so if it hasn't been done for awhile, it probably would be good to do anyway. The next place to look is the fuel pump if the filter change doesn't get it. Check the fuel pressure. If low/not right, it probably is the pump, but it could also be the fuel pressure regulator. I would check that too before replacing the pump as it is easier and cheaper to do. I don't recall how/why I was able to decide that my pump needed replacing. I think mine didn't sound right, maybe louder than before and the car acted like it wasn't getting any or enough gas.

[shorod]

All good suggestions by tripledaddy.

I would suggest you check the coolant temperature sensor, EGR system, and Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) though before going the route of the fuel pump if the fuel pressure checks out. Also, try adding a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank.

Since is sounds like the car starts but stumbles, you could be experiencing a rich condition after a short trip. This might be due to a leaky fuel injector, coolant temp sensor that is telling the PCM the engine is at a drastically different temp than it really is, or an EGR valve that isn't function correctly. Also, if the IMRC is staying open when you start the engine warm, that could cause what you describe. I don't recall if the IMRC on the 1999 is vacuum or electric/cable controlled.

-Rod

[humbug1]

Thanks. The IMRC was replaced last year. I actually took the car out today and everything was fine; I put in some fuel from a different gas station to see if that helps. I will keep an eye on it and hopefully the CEL comes on to tell me what is going on. Thanks to all.

[tripletdaddy]

Your problem sounds a lot like a parallel thread in the Taurus Forum titled, "96 Taurus stuttering at idle," that you might find helpful.
Click Me!

[fdunford]

Take the Idle Air Control (IAC) off and clean it.

[spflick]

hey just thought i would share my success with mine i cleaned my trouttle body and cleaned my iac and straightened my problems right out so i would try that!!!!