Starting like she's carbureted.

[Z Monster]

New guy here, searched around and couldn't really find anything. So, here's the problem. My girlfriend owns a 1999 Eddie Bauer Expedition. When she goes to start it, it cranks over just fine, but once it fires, she has to hold her foot on the gas or it will die. Just like an old carbureted motor. It happens more often, if not only when it's cold out. My girlfriend tells me it's only when it's under 1/4 tank of gas. Once it warms up, it runs just fine, no issues. There's no check engine light or anything. I have recently changed the fuel filter.

 

[Yudaman]

I have a hard time believing that the fuel level has any bearing on the running condition. As long as the fuel pump is covered with gas it will pump. Full tank or 1/8 tank.
A simple fuel pressure test would confirm this.
When was the last time the plugs were changed? Worn out plugs will cause a lot of issues during cold weather starting. The extra gap in the plugs will be less likely to ignite the richer fuel ratio when starting cold.

 

[Z Monster]

I'm just relaying what she's telling me. I'm not sure when the last time they were changed. Are these the trucks with the spark plugs breaking issue?

 

[Mediamonkey11]

No, that's 2003+ (3valve engine). Might want to change the plugs and coil boots and go from there. Certainly a lot easier than changing a fuel pump and they likely need to be done anyway...

 

[toms89]

You can try cleaning IAC valve and throttle body. Check for vacuum leaks or leaks between the mass air sensor and throttle body.

 

[toms89]

I tend to agree with yudaman as far as fuel level.

If the pump is sucking air occasionally due to low level it should be more pronounced as she is driving with the fuel sloshing around. This will cause inconsistent fuel pressure.

Unless maybe she is parked on a semi-steep hill with the nose facing down hill. The sump is towards the rear of the fuel tank.


Regardless.... if it really only occurs below 1/4 tank, just fill it up before then and problem solved.

 

[01yellerCobra]

I can believe it. If our 98 mountaineer was under a quarter tank we couldn't park it on a hill nose down. Figured that one out in the driveway. Backed in and went to leave and the truck wouldn't start. Rolled it onto the street and it fired right up. I didn't have to hold the throttle though. That sounds like an IAC issue.

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[1997SCEBFEX]

++ on IAC.

PanHandler.