i have a 97 f150 4x4 4.6 in the morning when its cold out side truck is hard to start have to give it gas to keep it running for about 30 sec then is fine no codes or check engine light any ideas? makes remote start worthless in cold weather? hopefully someone has the answer?

 

only acts that way when cold??? its cranking fine right? throw a bottle of drygas in the tank.

 

Sounds like an IAC problem.

Or could be a fuel filter.

Search "IAC" here on the boards.

Good luck

 

I am having the exact same symptoms. Started last winter, then was fine for the summer. Now its 15 degrees and she takes a good 30 seconds before I can take my foot off the gas without her dying. I searched IAC but didn't get any hits. What is IAC? Any help would be most appreciated. I have an appointment to bring it into a local mechanic next Saturday.

 

the i.a.c valve would act up in any weather. id suspesct a gas problem especially when u say only when its real cold it acts up. does it idle ok in traffic???

 

Positive that it isn't a gas problem. It's been a problem for over a year. It only happens on a cold start with a cold engine. After the first 30 seconds, it's fine and purrs like a kitten. Saw on another thread that cleaning the IAC helps, or replacing it. I'm going to the shop on Saturday, we'll see what he finds.

 

thanks guys but IAC was not the problem i thought gas to but no wrong answer. Is very strange cause runs fine after 30sec stop and start right back up no problem.IAC is idle air control have cleaned it twice no effect drivin me crazy any more ideas i woud appreaciate it?

 

I would clean the IAC yourself rather than bring it to the shop. Half the time the mechanics will figure that you dont know the difference between the IAC and a tire, so they'll do a half-*** job of it. Mine did the same thing that yours is doing, I took the IAC off and blasted it out with carb/throttle body cleaner. Now it fires right up.

 

thanks slamma but i have cleaned it twice to no effect my 1997 has only 92487 miles on it i bought it brand new and is well maintained i dont know maybe i will try to clean it one more time if that dont fix it maybe i will buy a new one OUCH!

 

got the windows tinted looks really good

 

this may sound stupid, but when was your last oil change and what viscosity do you use?? oil with a lot of miles on it can make cold starting rough, but not for 30 secs. just a thought, you never know!

 

i use qs synthetic changed every 3000 miles had it changed last saturday? no answer is stupid to me all info is vital will try anything

 

how old are your spark plugs and battery? how cold are we talking?

 

new plugs batery less than year old temp wise around freezing and below?