[Goliathjz]

I have a 98 v6 mustang. It runs fine, but when i try to start it sometimes it takes a few tries (pumping accelerator helps i think)

Sometimes on startup it will run rich..and kind of shake the car...but when it gets started for a minute or two it runs fine. Somebody told me this could be a misfire in the engine?


I have 143k miles.....runs fine after that first minute (only happens sometimes)


What do you guys think?



And is a misfire harmful?

[mcqueen]

Do you get any CELs when this happens? Misfires often set off a flashing CEL.
When you try to turn it over, is the starter cranking?
Have you ever changed the fuel filter?

[Rich J]

Do you hear the fuel pump prime up before you start it? Put it key in the ignition and turn it (not all the way to start it) just turn on the accessories and listen for the fuel pump to prime, you will hear it somewhere behind you. It's actually a pretty noticeable noise.

[Goliathjz]

CELS? the starter cranks yes. It just doesnt fully start, I get the theft light and other light when it turns on then they go off. Other then that its good, I havnt changed the fuel filter. And I will check if i hear it today.

[craigdavey]

CEL's = Check Engine Light's

Definately check the starter.

[Goliathjz]

Alright I'll check that today, but does that explain the kind of shaking for the first minute?


During this minute, it idles very low at times and shakes.

[Mr. Red Pony]

Sounds like the ECT or IAT are not reading correctly. Hook up a scan too and say what they read when the engine is cold vs. when it is at op temp idling. Cold, the sensors should read the same, and warm the ECT will read a higher temp. But at cold they should read outside temp.

[Tang Stang]

Originally Posted by Goliathjz but when i try to start it sometimes it takes a few tries (pumping accelerator helps i think)

This is a fuel injected vehicle, pumping the accelerator shouldn't effect startup like it would with a carb.

Originally Posted by craigdavey Definately check the starter.

The OP said that the engine cranks when he attempts to start it; the starter is doing its job.

Originally Posted by Mr. Red Pony Sounds like the ECT or IAT are not reading correctly. Hook up a scan too and say what they read when the engine is cold vs. when it is at op temp idling. Cold, the sensors should read the same, and warm the ECT will read a higher temp. But at cold they should read outside temp.

My money is on the ECT.

To the OP, you never said whether or not you've gotten any CEL's. Also, try starting the car with the accelerator just barely depressed. How does it run in that situation?

[Mr. Red Pony]

Originally Posted by craigdavey CEL's = Check Engine Light's Definately check the starter.

I don't even know what to say.

[Mr. Red Pony]

Originally Posted by craigdavey CEL's = Check Engine Light's Definately check the starter.

I don't even know what to say.

[craigdavey]

Originally Posted by Mr. Red Pony I don't even know what to say.

What does CEL stand for?

[Goliathjz]

To the OP, you never said whether or not you've gotten any CEL's. Also, try starting the car with the accelerator just barely depressed. How does it run in that situation?[/QUOTE]



it still has to have the key turned a few times before it fires all the way over

[ag11hockey]

try changing plugs and wires. possibly coil too

[Mr. Red Pony]

Originally Posted by craigdavey What does CEL stand for?

CEL - Check Engine Light

The proper term though is MIL - Malfunction indicator lamp/light.

[Mr. Red Pony]

Originally Posted by ag11hockey try changing plugs and wires. possibly coil too

I wouldn't change anything until you verify equipment that is not working properly. Plugs wires and coil pack is not related to the problem anyways.

[Tang Stang]

Originally Posted by Goliathjz it still has to have the key turned a few times before it fires all the way over

As in the key has to be cycled between "ON" and "OFF" a few times, or are you saying it takes a few starting attempts to get the engine to fire? You didn't answer my question as to how it runs once it has started (with the accelerator just barely depressed). You also still haven't said if you've received any CEL's.

We need more info here.

[Goliathjz]

Originally Posted by Tang Stang As in the key has to be cycled between "ON" and "OFF" a few times, or are you saying it takes a few starting attempts to get the engine to fire? You didn't answer my question as to how it runs once it has started (with the accelerator just barely depressed). You also still haven't said if you've received any CEL's. We need more info here.

a few attempts to get it to fire. and as long as the idle is high, it only shakes when it goes very low when it first starts. This does not happen EVERY time. Only certain times. No CEL's