Engine Stalling after Starting

[Skirmisheer]

I've had my 2009 Mondeo 2.3 Petrol Auto for three years and it's been a fantastic car with virtually no problems at all with around 67,000 on the clock.

Recently I've noticed that when immediately after I start the car the revs will drop down and sometimes the engine will stall. Restarting then requires a little footwork on the accelerator pedal to stop it happening again.

The problem never occurs when the engine is cold, only after it has warmed up.

I was wondering if anyone can suggest what may be wrong and if it's a quick easy fix then I'd be prepared to have a go myself. Failing that it may need to go to my local Ford independent who are always pretty efficient and very reasonably priced.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[GreenV8S]

Maybe a minor sensor issue causing it to run slightly out of tune in the conditions immediately after starting up, and this is causing the idle speed control to misbehave. For example if that engine uses a hotwire mass air flow sensor, maybe it's contaminated and reading inaccurately at very low air flows. That's just an example - don't assume it's that and go changing stuff until you know what's wrong.

[Skirmisheer]

Thanks for the reply.
I suspect it needs a professional to look at it including connecting the car to a diagnostics machine.

[Little Pete]

A quick visual check is worth doing first. A loose or split vacuum pipe could give those symptoms. The fuel enrichment when the engine is cold could mask the leak.

[chammyman]

Theres bluetooth obd2 adaptors for 3 quid and free phone apps to enable a better diagnosis.

We need data to help you in any way.

[Skirmisheer]

I've got an OBD2 reader but am having trouble getting it to connect to my phone. I've therefore just ordered a hand held version from ebay so will see what errors (if any) that finds.

[Skirmisheer]

An update

I received my new OBD2 reader and connected it to the Mondeo.

There wasn't a single error. Does that rule out problems with sensors or would a full professional diagnostics test be required to rule that out?

[Arnold Cunningham]

No errors doesn't rule anything out. Lots of sensors could give an slight out of whack reading - not enough to flag an error, but easily enough to make it run like a dog. IMVHO, look as MAF, MAP, Coolant & Air Temp sensor readings. Any one of those being a bit off could affect it.