2003 4.0L cranks but won't start

[Ken S]

This problem has occurred twice in the last 2 weeks. Engine cranks but will not start. I let sit overnight and starts right up the next morning. Only has 33,000 miles

 

[pishamus]

When you've tried to start it and it wouldn't, how warm was the engine? Are you running an auto or stick? My initial thought is the coil going bad when hot, or another electronic piece that controls the coil. Obviously, you need to find out if your still getting spark when this happens.

 

[Ken S]

The most recent instance was on Tuesday morning. The truck sat in the garage all night and the engine was cold. Would not start in the morning. Tried again around 8PM same day and still would not start. Towed up to the local garage by a freind and left note of problem to the mechanic. As usually happens with car troubles, it started right up in the morning. At this point they have not been able to identify the problem. Going to keep for another night and try again tomorrow.

 

[jasonl]

Sounds like it could be a bad IAC ( Idle air control) valve. Next time your cranking it and it won't start, push the throttle open a little to give the engine some air and see if it will start that way with you manually giving it air. ( They need to change the name from "gas pedal" to "air pedal"). If it starts and runs that way you found the problem.

 

[Ken S]

It is running good at the moment. Next time problem occurs, I will give it a try. Thanks.

 

[north44]

Intermittent "no starts" on my truck, much as you describe, were related to faulty relays - try changing out the fuel pump relay in the box under the hood.

 

[MA Ranger]

Also check the EEC relay. It's in the power distribution box next to the fuel pump relay on a '94 3.0L. If one or both of these relays are bad, it can cause the problem you have described. When you turn the ignition on, listen for a "whir" or "hum" coming from underneath the truck on the driver's side - this is the fuel system being pressurized. If you don't hear the whir or hum, it's an indication that one or both of these relays is bad. Also, when you turn the ignition on and the check engine light doesn't come on for a couple seconds like the other trouble lights (e.g. the antilock brake light), it's an indication that the EEC relay is bad. Each relay goes for about $10.00 - $15.00 at a parts store.

 

[sonyes]

My fuel pump relay and inertia safety switch went at the same time on my 03 last winter.

 

[bit]

Any update here?

 

[Ken S]

The truck finally reach a point were it would not start and it had to be towed to Conrads's Goodyear repair shop. Because it was not starting, could run diagnostics on system and determined the fuel pump in the gas tank was not working.

Has been repaired and no issues since.