Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) no power till warm

[CSherman]

my neighbor bought a 02 2500 w/auto it has 120k

it will only run at min. power till it gets warm like 1 1/2 to 2 miles on city streets. this is ever time it's started after setting for 6 or 8 hrs. at 70 deg. ambient. it is stock. hope you guys can diagnose it's problems. thanks

 

[RDMueller]

Is it throwing any codes?

 

[JLandry]

A good couple of places to start would be to replace the engine coolant sensor and the IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor. Both are relatively inexpensive, and after 120,000, a failure is certainly possible.



Do a search here in the forum on those items and you'll find many posts describing exactly where they're located.



You might also suggest he check for any DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) with a code scanner (available at any auto parts store), or by turning the ignition key: ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON (leaving in the ON position) and read any codes present in odometer window.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[CSherman]

thanks for the input. i was hoping for the silver bullett. the guy's a teacher and you know what they say. some do and the rest teach. i will check the codes and hope i won't get my hands dirty.

 

[TAbbott]

You don't really want it to make a lot of power before it warms up do you? Good way to seize a piston is to put a lot of fire in a cold engine... .