QuestionQUESTION: So it got cold here in MN. This vehicle was outside for the weekend and just wouldn't start...Moved vehicle to garage and warmed it up...Gave it a try and it backfired. Manual stated for flooded engines hold accelerator down for 15 seconds while cranking ignition...eventualy the car started. HOWEVER now it requires pressing the accelarator to start this vehicle and if you remove your foot allowing the vehicle to idle below 1000rpms it will kill. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Hi Shane,
I have a couple of suggestions: the fault code readout and the egr valve.
-you can use the ignition key to get the fault codes that might tell us what the engine controller has noticed as the possible cause of the 'no start':" on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the 'check engine' light, which remains 'on', to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the ignition key routine and do a recount to be sure of accuracy. Then group the count numbers in pairs in the order of appearance to form the 2-digit fault codes. The last code should be 55 which means 'end of readout'. Then write me back and tell me the numbers and we'll go from there.
-the egr, one of my favorites when bad idle/no start rears its ugly head. I would take a look at the exhaust gas recirculation valve which is located behind the engine near the air intake throttle valve. It is mounted in a pipe that runs between passenger side exhaust manifold and the air intake manifold. The valve is mounted horizontally and has a valve stem between its round vacuum actuator top and the body of the valve attached to the pipe, inside the flange that connects the two parts. The stem has a slot into which you can insert the tip of a flat-bladed screwdriver so as to lever the stem back and forth against spring action which should move freely and close tightly. If the stem seems to be sticky so that stem doesn't close all the way by spring action, then you can try spraying some penetrating solvent like WD-40 on the valve stem to freeup its motion.
If the valve is sticking slightly ajar (particularly when cold) it will make for a no start such as you describe because the mixture is too dilute. It is one of the most common causes of this symptom. So see if you can find the valve and check/lubricate the stem. It may be that the interior of the valve is cruddy so that might require that it be unbolted from the pipe where it it attached and cleaned. But chances are good it will only be a sticky stem. Feel free to write back with the results and other questions you might have.
Roland
PS Msy I ask a favor? If you would use the 'thank/rate' tab below you will find a question about a nomination for 'expert of the month'. I would appreciate your putting a 'yes' there as I am competing for that recognition. Thanks in advance.
Happy holidays!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland,
I was able to get at the EGR Valve Last night. What a pain to get at. I cleaned it up using some WD-40. Put the car back together (as it was easier to remove the tubing from the air filter on back first) and gave the key a turn...Whalla, THE CAR RUNS GREAT...So I wanted to say thank you.
AnswerHi Shane,
I'm only 2 votes short of catching up to the fellow who leads the race to be 'expert of the month'. So if you would take a moment to use the "thank/rate" tab below to give me another vote, that would be much appreciated. Best wishes for the New Year.
Roland
