1989 Ford Tempo Won t start when cold

LAPOW

MEMBER
1989 FORD TEMPO

Engine Performance problem
1989 Ford Tempo 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 261000 kilometers

My Tempo will not start when it is cold. It doesn t have to be very cold out for it not to start, just around 0 C will do it. If I plug in the block heater for a couple of hours, it starts just fine. I have changed the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor, the Intake Air Charge Temperature sensor, Ignition Module, oxygen sensor, spark plugs, cap, rotor and fuel filter. The fuel pressure readings are 56psi on the initial prime, 50psi running with vacuum, and 58psi with no vacuum. The latest PCM download codes it gave me are 31 on the Continous Memory and 33 and 52 on the Engine Running test. The 31 and the 33 indicate a problem with the EGR valve or EGR control system. The 52 indicates power steering pressure switch out of specified range.
Could the EGR Valve issues cause it not to start when its cold, but start just fine when its warm? The check engine light comes on occasionally but only at idle after a 1 hour trip an the highway. I m running out of ideas.

3 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

An 89! If I had an 89 it wouldn't start either at 0". Does it sputtter at all? Find a way to ad gas into intake and see if that works! In my case it's always been a combination of slow cranking and lower compression. Also try using premium fuel in cold weather. Good luck

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Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 11:22 PM

LAPOW

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I've tried adding fuel into the intake manifold and it didn't help at all. Sometimes I can get it to start and it does sputter when it is trying to start. Once I get it to run it misses for a while, sometimes for as long as 10 minutes. Eventually it clears up as it warms up and it runs fine. I drive it every day to work, 130K round trip and it has lots of power and never misses on full throttle acceleration. The starter and battery crank the engine over without any problem for as long as I persist. I haven't done a compression test yet, but don't suspect that to be a problem as the car doesn't use any oil and generally runs very well. All oil changes and regular maintainance has been done since the car was new.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 12:05 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

When it dont start, check for spark. You didn't indicate you changed spark plug/coil wires? Also on that old a car the electrical connections are likely to be turning green with corrosion. Take new plugs out and check colors. Are they all evenly tan/brown? Dont skip compession test as this is a factor in cold starts. Use some premium gas when it's 0 it does help! When no start did you try holding pedal to floor?

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Saturday, February 13th, 2010 AT 12:54 AM