1998 Mercury Sable WON'T START WITHOUT HITTING THE GAS

1998 MERCURY SABLE

PUDMUNKIN

MEMBER
3 POSTS
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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.

Jul 19, 2008 at 12:34 AM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

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?

Jul 20, 2008 at 1:12 AM

PUDMUNKIN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

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.

Jul 23, 2008 at 11:10 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

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.

Jul 30, 2008 at 6:40 AM

PUDMUNKIN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

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.

Jul 31, 2008 at 12:20 AM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Hi pudmunkin,

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

Try calibrating the TPS.

Jul 31, 2008 at 1:17 AM

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