# Hard starting **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford, taurus\ **Created:** [November 22, 2009, 1:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-starting/39850 "2009-11-22T13:46:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![deeb01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ea924/32.png) [@deeb01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/deeb01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2009, 1:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-starting/39850/1 "2009-11-22T13:46:30Z")
I have a 1997 3.0 taurus when the engine is cold (below 50) for more than 4 hours the car acts like it is flooded I have to push the peddle to the floor to start the car. There is no check engine light but I ran a diagnostic check on it any way, no codes.It is acting like a bad ect sensor I replaced 1 it didnt make any difference. Are there two ? one for the gauge and one for pcm ? I all ready swapped out the maf and the throttle air bypass with known good ones. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-starting/39850/2 "2009-11-22T14:37:58Z")
How old are the plugs and wires? When was the last fuel filter change? How about the air cleaner? I am not saying I believe these may be the cause, but if they are due, then I would do them first. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2009, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-starting/39850/3 "2009-11-22T15:42:25Z")
The problem might be with the Idle Air Control motor. If the IAC motor goes to the wrong position for a cold start, no air is allowed into the engine. When the accelerator is depressed it allows air into the engine so the engine starts. Tester