89 Ranger,cold start problem

[Johnpaul42]

Hey everyone,wanted to say hello first.Ive always gotten great help from the past by reading through all the great posts..Ive finally become a member and hope you can help with this..

I have an 89 ford ranger.2.9L...Ive had it for 7 years and this is the first time it's been hard to start when temperature is below freezing..It has always started right up after I turned the key the first time and heard the relay kick in...

Symptoms.......Sometimes I have to turn the key on and off 3 or 4 times before it will start.I hear the relay each time..but sometimes the relay still runs when I turn the key back off..After it first starts when it's cold the engine will idle down for a split sec but run normal after..After that it runs like it always has..Could it be the fuel pump relay switch going bad.Thanks for your help...John

 

[Jspafford]

Does it turn over or just click? If it turns over and won't start until the 3rd time it could just be the fuel pump needing to be primed.

Try turning the key to on and letting it sit for a few seconds, and then starting it.

 

[IMenriched]

Try turning the key to on and letting it sit for a few seconds, and then starting it.

Yep...+1 with that...in the colder weather I found the same thing works good. For example; turn the key on... get the seat belt on...then start... usually fires right up.

That is not to say there maybe a minor issue with one of the relays, ignition or fuel....also maybe the starter solenoid....cold weather really make it hard stuff like this.

 

[Johnpaul42]

Thanks for your replies...It turns over fine...Just not starting up right away as it always has when cold outside....What would make the fuel pump relay stay on after I turn the key off??..Im not that mechanically inclined soo any help would be appreciated..Thanks..John