Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Mercury Sable 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic
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My car doesn't want to start and run without me sitting there holding the gas pedal down for a while until it warms. After the car is warmed up, it'll start and run fine the rest of the day, or at least until it has sat a few hours again. I changed the spark plugs and wires, but it didn't help.

Hi pudmunkin,

Thanks for the donation.

When you don't use the accelerator to start, does it start and stall or just won't start at all? If it starts and cannot idle, the cold start control system is fauty.

If you use the gas pedal, is it easy to start?

It won't start at all without hitting the gas and maintaining it. Starts easily as long as there is a pressure on the pedal.

Hi pudmunkin,

Sorry for the late reply.

Is the MIL ( Check Engine Light ) showing when engine is running?

I would recommend checking the Throttle Position and Mass Air Flow sensors.

Yes, the check engine light is on. Got a code check done at the shop, and was told it was the temp sensor. Changed that, but no improvement.

Hi pudmunkin,

After replacement of temp sensor, did the CEL still come on?

Try calibrating the TPS.