3.2 Cold Starting Problem
 

My 3.2 will not start when it is below freezing. Can crank forever w/o firing. Warm up into the 40's and will start and run fine. Have changed the head temp sensor and the DME relay, checked all ground and harness connections and swapped the DME box w/ one w/o any issues. Problem is still there. Ready to change out the flywheel sensors. Anyone w/ another idea?

*bump*

(I am sure there is a cold start valve but can't remember - someone will know)

Have you changed out the DME relay?

This may be a long shot, but your Idle Control Valve maybe be freezing shut and not letting the car run. Take it off during freezing conditions and shake it back and forth. There is a plunger inside that should move freely. If it doesn't, take it apart and clean it with Isopropyl.

If that doesn't work I would look at the reference sensors on the flywheel like you stated above.

DME relay was changed out. Also forgot to mention that I am pretty sure that I am also not getting any fuel or spark when it dosen't want to start.

No spark would point to flywheel sensors I think..

Could be no fuel or no spark or both. My 3.2 had difficult cold hard start problems: wasn't the DME (that's everyone's first move, including my mechanic), so I replaced the Idle Control Valve and the Fuel Pressure Regulator - which did the trick. Our sponsor sells both.

If you do the above and intend to do it yourself, fair warning: ICV was easy but FPV was a P.I.A. due to difficult access back behind the heater blower. Do-able but not easy. Ping me if you do the FPV yourself and I can give you some tips.

- Dan

Next time it happens try flooring it and see if it starts.

Joe

Agree with Joe - if it does, then it's likely a fuel delivery problem.