Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting really cold night, rough idle

I searched but didn't know if I had a duplicate problem sorry if I am repeating this.

Last year we had a night that dropped well below 0 degrees, Tried to start the tour, she shot to about 6-7k on the rpm for about 2 seconds and then she would just die. I could keep her running if I kept giving her gas, but at stop signs forget about it.

I parked her in a nice warm garage overnight and in the morning she was good as new.

Anything I can do to avoid this happening this year? I don't have a garage of my own

4 things come to mind. Water in gas (use HEET or fuel stabilizer), Fuel filter, MAF sensor and IAC valve.

Fuel filter.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=958655&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=186&fpart=1

MAF
http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=36

IAC cleaning
from Ray's UIM/LIM how to in Duratec Maintenance how to.

"Replacing the IAC gasket:
(From IAC faq)
Over time, the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve becomes sticky due to buildup from the EGR and PCV systems. It can stick partially open such that idle quality is adversely affected, and engine RPM's will not drop below 1500. For a while, blipping the throttle will restore normal idle, but this only works for so long.

The fix is to remove the IAC valve by unbolting the two 8mm bolts that hold it on and disconnected the wiring plug. If you are careful enough, replacement of the gasket will not be necessary. The gasket costs less than US $1.00, so it is no tragedy if you destroy it. Once the valve is off, spray it out with some carb/intake cleaner and make sure any gunky residue is gone. Reattach, and you are done. It is a lot cheaper than a new IAC, which runs around US $70. Note: Ford claims the IAC cannot be cleaned, but this is not true in my experience." Ray.

Hey Tony,

Where is the MAF located on the Duratec?

Between the air filter housing and the air inlet duct (accordian tube). Remove the "buckles" holding the top of the air filter housing. Unscrew the hose clamp closest to the circular metal object (MAF housing). Then spray non contact electrical cleaner on the MAF sensor.

Edit. If you look at this picture, the silver looking round tube with the black square on top is the MAF housing (between the accordian tube and air filter housing).

Thanks Tony