• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2001 Ranger 3.0v6 is hard starting mostly when cold.


overseaz

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1994 B2300
200
Make / Model
Mazda
Ford
Transmission
Manual
I have a 2001 Ranger with 142k miles. I bought it about 8 months ago and pretty much had no other issues.

1. When its cold i have to turn the key over to start and crank it for a good 10-13 seconds and usually have to to that twice, or sometimes 3 times.
It also does this off and on when its warmed up.

2. It also seems to kinda ping when first taking off from 1st gear most of the time, or at least it sounds like a cheap ping/knocking sound.

3. Fuel, on average i seem to be getting 15-16mpg combined city/highway, is this average? I know the gearing is different but my car is a 3.0 gets around 25 average and has twice the performance.

From what I've read here so far it could be the fuel pump or fuel pump relay.
How do you go about checking the fuel pump itself? I know how to check the relays. Or is there anything else i should check for?

Thanks,
Dave
 


Robin Hood

New Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
292
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3.0L V6
Transmission
Automatic
I'm not sure about pump location but I'd assume its in the tank.

Sounds like a pump to me, but I'm not sure at the same time, because usually when pumps are bad they wont start at all (at least in my past few experiences).
 

4x4RangerGuy

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
809
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Age
38
Location
Newton Highlands, MA
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Subaru
Engine Size
2.0
Transmission
Manual
The fuel pump is in the tank on the driver's side. The only way to access it is to take the bed off (easier way, just undo 6 bolts and lift the bed off) or drop the tank by undoing the straps (harder way, since the straps might break from rust).

How's your oil level? Are you losing any? It also sounds like oil may be seeping past the valve seals into the cylinders, causing you to burn off the oil before starting it. Ford Escorts do this all the time. Just keep an eye on your oil level. Are you getting any lifter tap?
 

Will

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
6,925
Reaction score
514
Points
113
Location
Gnaw Bone, Indiana
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Toyota
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
If it's hard to start when it's cold, it could be that the engine thinks that it is warm already. I would first check the coolant temperature sensor.

Find the sensor, unplug the connector and then use an ohmeter across the sensor contacts. If the engine is dead cold you should read about 30-60K ohms. If the engine is warmed up you should read about 2-8K ohms.

I don't expect it's the fuel pump. But you can get a pump gauge for $30 at Autozone and screw it into Schrade valve on the fuel rail and know for sure.

Get your codes scanned.
 

overseaz

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1994 B2300
200
Make / Model
Mazda
Ford
Transmission
Manual
4x4RangerGuy,
Wow, i sure hope if i put it on ramps that i could take the tank out from underneath, because my truck is loaded full with construction tools. and i have an aluminum utility shell as well, that would be a real pain.

How much do new straps cost of they break?

Yes, actually since the temperature has gotten colder here in california ive been hearing more lifter tap before it warms up.

Will,
I'll check the temp sensor this weekend, that would be cool if that is indeed the issue. I scanned for codes last week and it had no errors and no MIL Light.

Thanks, ill post and update after this weekend.
 

overseaz

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1994 B2300
200
Make / Model
Mazda
Ford
Transmission
Manual
So i finally got around to doing a little on my truck.
I gave it a tuneup, new fuel filter, plugs, and cleaned my K&N filter.
At first i thought it helped with the new fuel filter, but no its still hard starting.

Is there any possibility it could be clogged injectors? When its running it doesn't miss or anything. It's just hard starting when cold.

I found an oil leak, it looks like im going to need a new oil pan gasket, up towards the front where the main bearing is, it looks like the pan gasket seal has slipped out, and oil seeps from there, looks like i'll have to keep an eye on it until i change it.

Are there any voltage tests you can do on the fuel pump to test it before replacing?
 

almostclueless

New Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
1,403
Reaction score
3
Points
0
Vehicle Year
98
Make / Model
ford
Transmission
Manual
It's less deceiving to test the fuel pump pressure first. One way or another, the pump requires battery voltage at a few amps to deliver, but there's a regulator on the in-tank assembly that could also be the problem.


If the pressure isn't in spec while idling, then I'd test the voltage to the pump wires as the pump operates, which is a test of the pump itself (possibly shorted), wiring to the pump, relay, and wiring to the PCM.

Unless you have the factory wiring diagrams and understand electronics thoroughly, you may consider getting a 60 dollar dealership diagnostic, as opposed to a diagnostic by billy bob's shop, pepboys (dont get me started), or wherever else.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top