Service manual

90-898303 2-45
Hard To Start 2.4L , 2.5L , EFI Engines (Cold Weather)
There have been occasional reports of hard starting EFI engines (150 to 200
HP 2.4 & 2.5 Litre) in cold weather.
The symptom normally is that the engine will start and run good in warm
weather (above 50° F., 10° C). When the temperatures drop, typically the
engine will crank over, start and stall. After several attempts the engine starts
runs rough for one or two minutes then smoothes out runs and starts good for
the rest of the day.
The following list, are item to check if you receive a report of an EFI engine
that is hard starting in cold weather.
1) Make sure the customer is using the correct starting technique, as outlined
in the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
2) Check timing and set-up.
3) Check fuel pressure on fuel rail.
4) Check ignition system.
5) Check connections on ECM, TPS, and injector harnesses.
6) Test head temperature sensor.
7) Test air temperature sensor.
8) Check for good continuity on the YELLOW/RED wire that runs between
the starter solenoid and the ECM.
9) Try setting the pick-up timing higher. Note increasing pick-up timing could
increase idle speed above acceptable limits.
10) Confirm that the idle control circuit in the idle stabilizer or advance module
is working correctly.
11) Check battery voltage when cranking engine. Voltage at battery should not
drop below 10 volts.
12) Check cranking speed (RPM) of engine. Even though battery voltage is
good, cranking speed may be low due to a faulty starter, or mechanical
problems in the engine. Normal cranking speed is 300 RPM starting
problems may be experienced if cranking speed is below 200. Most good
shop tachometers will measure cranking speed.
13) Check for air leaks in the intake manifold area.
14) Pre-loaded reed valves may cause hard starting.
15) On engines with the ECM, P/N 14632A15 and below, the TPS setting will
affect start up. Try setting TPS higher (richer). On engines with ECM P/N
14632A16 and higher TPS has no affect on start up.
Notes
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