1999 Ranger 3.0 automatic, flex fuel option, 130k. I am having a recurring problem when the weather gets close to 0 degrees. The truck starts and runs great but there is a very strong fuel smell in and around the truck within a few seconds of starting it. There is no evidence of a leak and no residual smell after the truck sits for a few minutes. It only happens when the weather is extremely cold and is back to normal at (approx.) +10 degrees or above. Thinking one of the sensors is getting wacky at the low temp and causing the rich mixture. Any ideas?

 

its programmed to run rich below certain temps to keep it going there has to be more fuel to mix with the less dense cold air. (The things you learn from flying lol) Especially the flex fuel they have bigger injectors which means even more fuel when cold i doubt you have anything to worry about sounds pretty normal.

 

@Pearlkid9988... Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping you are correct. The smell of fuel is hard to ignore!! Lol

 

I have the same issue, my exhaust smells like straight fuel for a few minutes warming up when the temps are -0. Usually its nothing to worry about Pearlkid is correct in more fuel being injected to compensate for the density of the air

 

@03edge... Thanks for the reply. Eases my mind some. Fuel smell is worrisome though.