400E wont start in cold
 

My 93 400E wont start when the temp is below 19F. It has been like this for a few years. I need to start driving it in the winter. So... what's wrong with it and how do I fix it? Luckily, its 32F today...

:p

It would help to have more info:

Does it crank normally when it's cold, but absolutely will NEVER catch? Or does it seem to catch but won't keep running?

Does it run perfectly well when it's not cold? Mileage OK?

Last tune-up (i.e., plugs, air filters, fuel filters)?

Ever replace the rotors and distributor caps?

Once it catches it keeps running. When it's 20F-40F it will never start on the first try. Takes 2 or 3 tries. Under 20F it will NEVER start.

Runs perfectly when its not cold and when its running in the cold.

Last tune up would be about a year. Been a problem since before that though.

Rotors and distr. caps have not been changed, to the best of my knowledge in the last 2 years.

Hope that answers some questions.

I would first check the rotors and caps, since it's a very easy job, there is a detailed description in DIY section.

If you have a fuel pressure gauge(I bought mine for Cnd$55), a quick 10 seconds measurement can tell you if it's a fuel system problem or not, just my 2 cents.

My 400E cranks longer than other cars before it runs.

Mine cranks longer too. Is that normal?

Looked at the DIY. Didn't look bad. Are parts costs bad?:)

I agree, caps and rotors make sense -- you might want to at least inspect them to look for severe erosion or oxidation. Rotors are about $80 each and caps are about $120 or so (US$) so it's not cheap (since you need 2 of each). Replacement is easy, however, with instructions given in the DIY section.

I might be tempted to run some Techron through too just for the heck of it.

There is also something in the fuel injection system which is called the "cold start relay" or something to that effect. I know nothing about it but might turn up in a search.

Its the cold start valve. I am not familiar with the 8's but on the 4's and 6's there is a cold start valve that allows for enrichment when cold. There also your temperature sensor.
I would first check the rotor and cap for oxidation or wear damage as suggested above.
Hope this helps.

I'll look into this more...


thanks