I just bought a beautiful red 1997, it has 200K on it and is in great shape. However in the morning it just cranks and cranks but wont start unless I pump the air pedal. It starts and I have to two foot it for a couple of minutes when I let off it will drop , almost stalls then it idles at 500-600 rpm.

It has left me stranded at the autoparts store(LOL) where I discovered my ECT plug had some loose contacts(po0118). If I gently pulled on them the temp gauge will drop and my idle would climb. Is there a possibility it's related to the cold start issue?

Once Im going its fine, but if I leave it parked to long it will do it again. Fuel pressure leak? I can't afford a gauge and just moved to Utah so I don't know anybody here yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

BTW at the autoparts store I wore my battery down trying to start it, so since I was there I had them test/charge it and they said it was bad, related?

 

Could be related.

Could be IAC issue. Or a pump or pressure regulator issue.

Try and do some diagnostic checks when its cold. Check for GOOD spark and GOOD fuel pressure with a pressure gauge.

 

Sounds like you might be getting an inaccurate signal from your temp sender so the PCM is'nt adjusting for cold start up. Thats just the first thought I had based on the symptoms, I'm sure some who know more than I will chime in. As for the battery, they dont last forever and long crank times will kill a battery thats already on its way out. I hope you get it figured out, stuff like that can be a little frusterating.

 

Yeah I'm gonna clean it up today and see if it helps. I just have enough ends to buy a new fuel pump. But I would rather not have to, I guess I'll start with the IAC then work down the line.

Is it possible to clean the TPS? I cleaned the TPS on my bronco and it made matters worse????

Also do I need to buy a new gasket for removal/installation of my TB?

 

Yeah I'm hoping it's not pcm related. I didn't think it had to do with the battery but I read a post from a dude that swapped his weak battery and wallllaahh it fixed the prob.


BTW this is a great forum and I'm glad to be a new member. Thanks guys.

 

Cleaned my IAC and now its running even worse. I had to force it back into the TB but did so slowly while tightening it down. Now its idle is rougher and lower?
It actually ran better before I cleaned it. No codes but now my Oil pressure is showing about 10 psi at idle and 30 while driving.