Starting problem- 97 Aeorstar 3.0L

1997 FORD AEROSTAR
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RON2_1
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My 97 Aerostar 3.0L has developed a wierd problem. When it is cold (below -10 degC) it will not start. When I turn the key on, I hear the fuel pump relay click but do not hear the fuel pump. Also the light for the overdrive displays off. At first I thought the gas line was frozen but that isn't the problem. If I plug the block heater in for a couple of hours, it will start right up. Also the off light for the overdrive is not on and of course I hear the fuel pump when the key is first turned on.

Any ideas what might be causing this? It runs great after it starts.

Thanks in advance
Feb 3, 2007 at 2:49 PM
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HRDINAS
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I am having a similar problem with the same van, year and engine. Have you look into the pressure regulator? I can also hear the fuel pump and your comment about heating the engine would only alter the engine components and not the fuel pump. I notice my car would not start Monaday when the temperature was -2 F but start right up today when it was about 10F. The pressure regulator is mechanical and controlled by a vaccum hose. it also appears around the air intake which hopefully it is easy to change. Keep me post if you do anything. I will not be abile to get to my car until the week end.

Darryl
Feb 6, 2007 at 7:57 PM
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RON2_1
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Thanks Darryl

I don't think its the pressure regulator as the van run fine when i get it started. I suspect that is is something to do with the Engine Temperature Sensor that is linked to the computer. I am going to play around with that on Thursday.
I'll let you know if that is the problem

Ron
Feb 6, 2007 at 10:00 PM
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RON2_1
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Change the Temp Sensor, still has the same problem. If I heat the sensor up, the van will start.

No idea whats wrong now
Feb 10, 2007 at 9:17 PM
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