Post by
ARKQX33V6 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/arkqx33v6-u165721.html
Fri Jun 03, 2011 11:03 am
Rereading this post.
When you push down the gas pedal the car starts correctly but will it idle correctly when cold?
Forget everything about what was, now do things to establish the faults.
A cold engine needs to be enriched or choked to enrich, more gas less air. You must know the layout of your engine and controls, I do not have this for a 2001 QX4 but you need a manual, of which there is a copy on this forum.
The book will show you the cold idle controls and from what you say there has been a lot of answers by others.
A cold idle can be badly effected by vacuum loss but vacuum becomes more important at temperature so to be sure when you get the motor started can you by controlling the idle get it warmed, if so do it.
Then while idling, no load, all lights, A/C off, all things off RPM should be 700-750 in P or N parking brake applied. Record this.
While idling take a butane, propane gas bottle, do not light it, turn the bottle of gas on so you hear gas bleeding out, then carefully aim the nozzle around the engine intake, manifold, vacuum lines, EGR, PVC.
Does the engine increase in RPM, yes you have a leak, no, no leaks apparent.
The car now is too warm to continue. Let cool down, but when it is hot going from cold to cool to hot does the idle change at all.
A cold engine will start at 1500 RPM but depending on ambient temp slow to 1200, the IA Idle air control valve will adjust to more or less air, the EGR will be non existent unless stuck with carbon. Your car may have further controls on it.
Is your MIL light on, if so why, this must be known. If no MIL light you may have problems with the ECU so a self test may have to be done. Most do a selt test every time it is energized.
The stoichiometric ratio of fuel to gas is by the computer and usually when the engine is cold this setting is rich by default but everything controlling the cold temperature start and run is out to lunch.
With a non MIL light the alarm or warning of bad combustion is not being produced. If you have no light.
Things that should help a cold engine start and run:
Mass Air flow, absolute pressure monitor, EGR(C), TPS, IACV-AAC, the O2 sensors will be on by pass but not when at temperature.
There are many controls that come into play while cold, cool, and at temperature, but it appears your foot is able to do the job when this engine is at cold temperature, now to find the controller that is causing the problem.
When you do a cold start listen to the open hood when you engage the ignition on just before you engage the starter.
Did you hear that EVAP canister purge control whine in.?
If you can help me with eyes, ears, smell we might be able to solve this.