My 2002 5.4 has had really bad problems starting in the cold the last few days. I have had to crank the heck out of it to start it. The first turn of the key ALMOST gets her running but not quite. The second turn does nothing no matter how long I let the starter try, and so far, as long as I give it a little gas, the third try always starts after a few (5-6) seconds of cranking... This morning a large cloud of white smoke came out when it finally started. I am not sure if this was because it was slightly flooded or what. When it does start, it doesn't idle high, it just goes directly to a warm idle, but that might be because I touched the gas pedal... Any ideas what might be causing the slow start? It hasn't ever had trouble before. Thanks!

Anthony
2002 FX4 S-Crew

 

I had similar symptoms that started a few days ago but don't know if it was triggerd by cold or not. Did a search here and saw that the IAC (Idle Air Controller?) was the most mentioned problem with startup and idle.

Took the advice of banging on it then trying to start to see if it was just stuck (it was - started right up and idled smooth). So then open it up and cleaned it with some thottle body cleaner. No more problems.

 

do you touch the gas pedal every time you start your truck? if you do it confuses the computer and when it gets cold it makes the issue worse. you do not need to ever touch the gas pedal when starting unless it gets to -20 degrees F. trust me on this one.

your truck is very new you shouldn't be having these problems already.

try resetting the pcm and do not touch the gas when you start it. and then let it idle for 5-8 min then drive it for no less than 1/2 an hour.

it could also be loose battery conections, old fuel filter, water in the gas, stuck IAC, dirty maf, bad air charge temp sensor, bad coolant temp sensor, vacuum leak, etc.

 

Either the fuel shutoff swich is tripped, or the IAC is stuck, or your fuel pump is going.

I had the problem once a day for a week. Then in Sunday it did not start at all. I would listen for the humm of the fuel pump and could not hear anything. Then, later in the day on Sunday I could hear the humm, and it started. I quickly drove it to the dealer where it never started again until they replaced the fuel pump.

Listen for the humm, and if you hear it then check the IAC for sticking. Back when I had my 99 the IAC would stick had high idle. Made it tough to stop at traffic lights.

 

I will play it by ear for the next few days. No, I have always been proud at how easily the truck started, and I never had to touch the gas pedal before. I had heard that is a bad idea, but decided I had to try it wouldn't just start and I had really no other option to get to work. I think it might be the fuel pump or the fuel filter now. I have changed the fuel filter twice in the trucks 45000 miles and it has been around 15k since I did it last. greencrew, can you describe how to hear the humm? I guess put the key to run but don't start it? I might try that and see if I can alway hear it or if it is intermittent. Honestly, I hope it isn't the IAC valve because I don't know how to mess with that... are there good instructions on here somewhere? Thanks again for the ideas. I hope she doesn't leave me stranded!

 

There was a picture of an IAC I came across in a thread here while I was researching, but now I can't find it (IAC is only 3 characters so the search is worthless).

IAC is really pretty easy thing to clean. I'm not a DIY mechanic at all and was able to do it. Only tough part was getting to the bolts, thank goodness for a 1/4in drive ratchet and short extension. I've got a 99 but I assume it looks the same on 2002 - if it turns out you need some photos to help I'll go out and take some.

 

Try the search using the following IAC*