Ford Focus cold star problems

ZUYNUT

MEMBER
FORD FOCUS

I have a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. When my engine is at ambient temperature, iit will not start. It will crank over and stall right out. Some starts are worse than others, but never the same. I have to hold the accelerator down to get it to idle and keep it down untill the RPMS pick up or it the engine warms up. Once the car is started, the issue does not come up again untill the engine reaches ambient temperature again (cold). The outside temps seem to have no effect on it at all. There is nothing wrong with the chargins system, plugs or wires. Fuel pump weas replaced before, but is not an issue here, no problems while running. I have had so much suggested but no one who has a similar problem posts a sollution on any boards. So far I have heard IAC, MAF, engine temperature sensor, fuel pump, fuel filter, coil pack, fuel pressure regulator and injectors. I'm not about to just start swapping parts out. Any useful info will be appriciated.

6 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Hi
Im glad you dont want to swap parts out, that is def the wrong way, your problem seems to be with engine temp as you stated, the ect (engine coolant temp sensor ) partially controls the fuel the engine needs to start, it tells the ecm how much it needs according to engine temp, if you have a thermometer and an ohm meter I can give you the rage for the iat and the ect

jim

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 9:13 AM

ZUYNUT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

That's would be great. What, though, is a iat? I plan to buy a repair manual, but would you have any idea where these parts may be located?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 11:30 PM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Iat is the intake air temp sensor this also controls fuel, when your ready post again here and we will get you started
Jim

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 7:50 AM

ZUYNUT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

My problem seemed to corrected itself shortly after posting a while back. Then, this week, it reared it's ugly head again, but now I cannot even get it to idle. It turns over quite nice, revs a little and stalls. No engine lights. I have to drive with two feet, well three since it's a manual. I can drive around all day with no problems, as long as I do not let out of the gass completly. I'm thinking about replacing the fuel filter, cleaning the MAF and replacing the IAC. Unless, that is, if you have another possible solution. I do not hav eaccess to any Ohm/voltage meters, so i'm diving in blind.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, November 8th, 2007 AT 9:21 AM

CHEVY22