HELP! - Problems starting - sometimes??


EnglishDan

EnglishDan

15+ Year Member

Joined
Dec 26, 2009
Messages
154
Points
3,101
City
Louisville, KY
Vehicle Year
1994
Transmission
Automatic
Has anybody come across this...
My 1994 3.0l 4x4 started and ran great until a few days ago!!
Now, when I try to start, sometimes it fires up straight away but sometimes it doesn't fire. The engine is turning over fast as normal but it will not fire. I will turn it off and try again - exactly the same. Then maybe on the 3rd/4th/5th try it will fire up right away. It always starts eventually?
It doesn't matter how long I hold the key, if it isn't going to start that go - it isn't going to start! When it does want to work it fires as soon as the key is turned (as normal).:icon_confused:
The battery/alternator/spark plugs/leads are all fine
I also had the fuel system and injectors cleaned out today - the mechanic couldn't find anything wrong, it started first go every time for him!!
Once started the truck runs and drives great - no problems with fuel starvation!

Any suggestions?? - HELP!
 
It's a good practice with any fuel injected vehicle to "prime" the fuel system before you crank the starter.

Turn the key to Run, dash lights come on, fuel pump runs for about 3 seconds.
Turn the key to Off, then repeat. Then crank the starter. It should start right up.

If you have to "prime" it 3-5 times to get a reliable start, your fuel pressure is bleeding down. That could be caused by anything from a stuck open injector (yours should be clean) to a seeping fuel fitting, fuel filter or bad check valve in the fuel pump.

Try priming it, that's free.

You should also report back about the Check Engine light. If it isn't on when the key is turned to Run, it won't start. That could be a bad PCM relay (sometimes called EEC relay).
 
Last edited:
The check engine light comes on when I turn the ignition on, but goes off when I start the car up - also as the engine is turning over the Check oil light comes on - but only when the engine is turning, it goes off as soon as the engine starts.

This is all exactly the same wether or not it starts!!
 
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