Hard To Start

snozzau · 19-02-2007, 04:56 PM

I have an 02 XR6 that is becoming more and more difficult to start.
Usually starts fine when warm but from cold does the folnaaamlowing-
Starts then dies
Starts then dies
and on the 3rd try it eventually fires.
I have done the following
-cleaned the injectors
-changed fuel filter
-changed the o2 sensor
-changed plugs and leads
-cleaned the throttle body
-changed air cleaner.
All did nothing to help starting,though the o2 sensor made it idle a lot smoother.
Anybody out there in AU land have any ideas.
Thanks,
Scott

**Mechan1k** · 19-02-2007, 05:03 PM

Might be a few other things ... gotta love trial and error.

A few more things to check.

Idle Control Solenoid
battery/alternator charge rate

Are you having other issues while driving ... or does it drive fine???

snozzau · 19-02-2007, 05:09 PM

The thing drives fine once it starts,I'm just getting sick of throwing parts.
I had my mechanic check the codes when the injectors were done and there was no problem there.
I seem to remember some time back somebody mentioned a crook coilpack can make starting hard,dont know whether theres any truth in it though.
Back to you guys

**Mechan1k** · 19-02-2007, 05:34 PM

Usually a crook coilpack will cause misfiring when driving as well ... in my case I'd get a decent backfire (LPG) ... you mightn't notice it though on petrol (as LPG is more sensitive with spark).

Might be best getting an autosparky to look at it ... your battery might be slightly down on charge and not giving enough spark to kick over properly (can start and die) ... or it might be something to do with alternator with initial starting as well. Auto electrician should be able to diagnose something with the electricals on startup for you.

But sometimes trying to chase a hard to start vehicle can be a bit of a nightmare at times ... might be a dodgy earth connection somewhere.

dishpig · 21-02-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snozzau

I have an 02 XR6 that is becoming more and more difficult to start.
Usually starts fine when warm but from cold does the folnaaamlowing-
Starts then dies
Starts then dies
and on the 3rd try it eventually fires.
I have done the following
-cleaned the injectors
-changed fuel filter
-changed the o2 sensor
-changed plugs and leads
-cleaned the throttle body
-changed air cleaner.
All did nothing to help starting,though the o2 sensor made it idle a lot smoother.
Anybody out there in AU land have any ideas.
Thanks,
Scott

Did you happen to find the solution because my AU has just recently started doing the exact same thing

: Except it only turns off once then it only just starts.

Chippar · 21-02-2007, 09:50 PM

The next thing I'd be checking and cleaning is what Mechan1K suggested, the idle Control Solenoid. If you didn't do it of course when you cleaned the throttle body.

Take it off and spray a cleaning solvent such as INOX aerosol into both openings and then use a small toothbrush to get in and around to clean everything, then wask it out with a clean spray of INOX. Also don't forget the two holes on the throttle body need cleaning as well, but I just use a lint free cloth soaked with INOX and twisted around a small screwdriver to poke down the holes and clean out any residue there.
Make sure everything is clean and dry before reassembling it.

I suggested INOX aerosol because I have found it is the best solvent to dislodge/loosen crap without doing damage to any parts. There are many solvents on the market such as CRC or RP7 that you could probably use as well.

I think there is a link here on the forums to a DIY instruction to clean the ICS.

Hope this helps.

blackers10 · 22-02-2007, 01:00 PM

my lane has some trouble starting somtimes too.. i think ill have to do the Idle control solinoid clean and see how it goes...
it usually happens when the car is parked on an incline.
but you can catch it with the accelerator as tho it doesnt get enough fuel.

au2sw · 22-02-2007, 10:02 PM

would ecu reset help at all?

xertia · 22-02-2007, 11:10 PM

I had a similar issue with my AU1. It wouldn't keep the idle up when I started it, just cough cough and die. Only did it with a cold start. I thought it was the Idle Control Solenoid, so I tried cleaning it and eventually even replacing but didn't work. So I tried an ECU reset and it worked. Although, it still won't hold the idle up at just above 1000rpm for those few seconds when I first start her, just starts and drops to normal 800rpm idle... probably something else needs looking at too, but at least it don't stall anymore. ;-)

dishpig · 22-02-2007, 11:34 PM

Good idea I'll just have to get my ECU replaced :hihi:

all4fordau · 23-02-2007, 12:35 AM

I had the same problem with mine. Changed the fuel filter---- GONE!... An easy check/replacement. Other than that, I also had a bad time with the ignition switch as it had dirty contacts. It only shows up with a low voltage reading at the coil pack which if you are not electrically minded, is a tough one to get. From what you have said, this sounds awfully simillar to my second drama- hard to start but once going not too bad.

IH8HSV · 22-01-2008, 10:07 PM

Hi. Did you find out what the problem is???

Mines doing the same.

Cheers

atec77 · 22-01-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snozzau

I have an 02 XR6 that is becoming more and more difficult to start.
Usually starts fine when warm but from cold does the folnaaamlowing-
Starts then dies
Starts then dies
and on the 3rd try it eventually fires.
I have done the following
-cleaned the injectors
-changed fuel filter
-changed the o2 sensor
-changed plugs and leads
-cleaned the throttle body
-changed air cleaner.
All did nothing to help starting,though the o2 sensor made it idle a lot smoother.
Anybody out there in AU land have any ideas.
Thanks,
Scott

Mine did this today , but wont start , I will check it the morning and let you know what I find ... I hate ford ignitions ( I think it might be the module)

bodes-sh · 23-01-2008, 12:26 AM

mine used to do this (well still does on petrol) before i got lpg on it, but not on lpg, it's like it's a fuel starvation problem. The fuel filter is fairly new, as is fuel pump, but it starts, then stalls, or the revs drop right down to about 300 or so and then it fixes itself and idles normally, only when cold too. i'm going to check earths next and maybe run a couple from the battery, can't hurt really

Froudey · 09-02-2009, 10:24 PM

any luck my AUII xr6 is doing zactly what the first post is doing.