new computer?

[Doc90]

my mustang will not start when it is cold out side when you turn the key on the computer clicks alot and interupt the fuel pump you must give it gas to get it started but it idles like crap i have checked all the the grounds and connections it runs like a champ when warm i have also changed the tps does anyone have any ideas before i get a new computer?

1990 notch 70mmtb shortie headers explorer intake

 

[DMAN302]

UM>>>NO...pull the codes and see what the cars trying to tell you. If the computer works warm, then it works cold, NEVER just throw parts at the problem...solve the problem by checking the basics first.

 

[Doc90]

i took it to the the mechanic he said that its not showing any codes

 

[Doc90]

what would be the best code reader to get for the future?

 

[DMAN302]

20 dollar wallmart reader for our cars is all you need. Not sure how the car can run if the ECU were fried...not something I'm sure can happen.

 

[stang8urimport]

Have you checked the flux capacitor?

 

[DMAN302]

seriously, can you never be serious...seriously...am I spelling seriously properly..I'm serious...
If your mechanic says you need a new ECU because the car only runs when it's warm..you need a new mechanic.

 

[jrichker]

Poor cold start performance can often be traced to a marginal ECT sensor.

Code 21 – ECT sensor out of range. Broken or damaged wiring, bad ECT sensor.
Note that that if the outside air temp is below 50 degrees F that the test for the
ECT can be in error.

The ECT sensor has absolutely nothing to do with the temperature gauge. They are
different animals. The ECT sensor is normally located it the RH front of the engine in
the water feed tubes for the heater.

The ACT & ECT have the same thermistor, so the table values are the same

ACT & ECT test data:

Use Pin 46 on the computer for ground for both ECT & ACT to get most accurate
readings.

Pin 7 on the computer - ECT signal in. at 176 degrees F it should be .80 volts

Pin 25 on the computer - ACT signal in. at 50 degrees F it should be 3.5 volts. It is
a good number if the ACT is mounted in the inlet airbox. If it is mounted in the lower
intake manifold, the voltage readings will be lower because of the heat transfer.

Voltages may be measured across the ECT/ACT by probing the connector from
the rear. Use care in doing it so that you don't damage the wiring or connector.

Here's the table :

68 degrees F = 3.02 v
86 degrees F = 2.62 v
104 degrees F = 2.16 v
122 degrees F = 1.72 v
140 degrees F = 1.35 v
158 degrees F = 1.04 v
176 degrees F = .80 v
194 degrees F = .61

Note that all resistance tests must be done with power off. Measuring resistance
with a circuit powered on will give false readings and possibly damage the meter.

Ohms measures at the computer with the computer disconnected, or at the sensor
with the sensor disconnected.
50 degrees F = 58.75 K ohms
68 degrees F = 37.30 K ohms
86 degrees F = 27.27 K ohms
104 degrees F = 16.15 K ohms
122 degrees F = 10.97 K ohms
140 degrees F = 7.60 K ohms
158 degrees F = 5.37 K ohms
176 degrees F = 3.84 K ohms
194 degrees F = 2.80 K ohms

Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds
(website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif