Starting while cold

[WanderLoveJosh]

2000 ford E150 5.4L V8

Just want to see if this might be nothing more than a vehicle aging, or if its about to have a serious problem.

Yesterday for the first time, the van wouldn't turn over, just acted like it wanted to. I panicked because I'm not mechanically inclined at all.

So eventually I just give it some gas while trying and it starts up. It had been pretty cold the entire day, and the van was turned off before that early early morning around 3am after wife got off work and it was even colder out then.

Anyways, once it was started it ran normal like it always does. Left it running as we had to run in town, after about 45 mins we had to shut it off to run into a store, came back out, it started fine. Went to a friends house, the car sat for about 2 hours, and started back up fine. I head home, and then the van would have been sitting off from the hours of 8pm to 3am. This time when I went to start it, it once again didn't want to start right up, but as soon as I pressed on the gas it did.

the van is 17 years old and I understand these things happen. It hasn't never had this issue before, though I can't say for sure that it has endured cold like 7 degrees. We are leaving to head south today. I just want to know if this is common with cold weather or if this is going to be a possible growing issue, in which case I hope we can make it to the rtr and have someone fix it.

 

[Van Man Dave]

In my experience the extreme cold and higher altitudes will bring out some interesting symptoms and noises in vehicles. I'd keep a good eye on it, but not worry too much either! (Especially if you are heading South).
Maybe time for a tune-up on the van soon? Holler if you have any trouble on the road!

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

Its Definitely in need for a tune up! My own fault for putting it off. Thanks man, hope to see you soon!

 

[Van Man Dave]

Its Definitely in need for a tune up! My own fault for putting it off. Thanks man, hope to see you soon!

That's probably all it is   Looking forward to seeing you all too! Safe travels! √

 

[highdesertranger]

when was the last time you changed the fuel filter? another common problem on those that cause that issue is the idle air control valve. when you say you have to depress the gas pedal to get it to start, that points to the idle air control valve. highdesertranger

 

[Van Man Dave]

Its Definitely in need for a tune up! My own fault for putting it off. Thanks man, hope to see you soon!

:idea: Pick up some tune-up supplies and I'll help you stick 'em on 

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

:idea: Pick up some tune-up supplies and I'll help you stick 'em on 

That would be awesome!

What all do I need and we will pick it up??

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

when was the last time you changed the fuel filter?  another common problem on those that cause that issue is the idle air control valve.  when you say you have to depress the gas pedal to get it to start,  that points to the idle air control valve.  highdesertranger

I’m the worst van owner ever, I started getting a bunch of stuff done to it this year, but put off some of the basic important stuff. This morning it was cold but it started pretty good, didn’t have to press the gas this time, but had to turn it a second time.

 

[highdesertranger]

well if it's due for a fuel filter make sure you do it. highdesertranger

 

[Van Man Dave]

That would be awesome!

What all do I need and we will pick it up??

Like HDR suggested, a fuel filter would be good option. I always keep an extra on hand anyway  Spark plugs may be worth changing out if they haven't been done recently. Air filter may need attention too. Throttle body and PCV valve cleaned.... The list could go on a while

I'd check the owners manual for some ideas on what else may need attention. All depends on what you may have done to it in the last few years too.

 

[user 423]

Don't know if a 2000 is affected but you might want to research potential Ford sparkplug problems.

A Ford specific forum would be a good resource for info, like the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum (link below).

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum128/

 

[bullfrog]

"Come to terms with thy ass for it bares thee." Ha! Ha! We all pay for lack of maintenance in the end.

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

Update:

We stayed where it was cold in New Mexico and it didn’t do it. Started right up in the morning while colder than 20 degrees.

Ugh

 

[Motrukdriver]

Yep, tune up with all the filters changed and I'd also change the oil and add Lucas oil additive in the correct quantity according to how much oil you hold to the crankcase. Lucas keeps a film of lubricant on all the surfaces so when you start up your engine the metal on metal is protected until your oil pressure builds up. Also, depending on how cold it is getting in your area, I would add some Heat or similar fuel additive to prevent the water in the fuel from freezing up. We like to think our gasoline is always top quality but sadly it isn't the case.

 

[nicnmike]

Sometimes the check valves on the fuel pump go bad. You loose fuel pressure at the fuel rail because the fuel leaks back into the tank. One way to test it is to pressurize the system (ie activate/energize the fuel pump) for 5-10 seconds when it's cold and then try starting it.

 

[speedhighway46]

Also clean the battery cables on both ends; make sure they are free of corrosion and are in good condition. How old is your battery? Older than six years, you’re asking for starting difficulties especially in cold weather when batteries become more inefficient.

Just my opinion . . .

 

[RenataAllison]

If you do a tune up go to a dealer or someone with the special tool to remove the plug.

We had a customer several years ago that got her 2005 Ford Expedition with a 5.4 tuned up in TX. She brought it to us in TN where she lived. The TX shop broke a plug stripped out the tube trying to remove it. Then did a tap and die trying to cover it up. Where did the metal shavings go? Into the combustion chamber most likely. That plug had a heliocoil on it by the time we saw her and she had to get a new engine because of compression issues. If you get a tune up on the 5.4 make sure they know what to do and have the right tools.

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