Starting issues.

[surfish95747]

Hey guys, I have been searching for a bit but cannot find a thread that specifies my problem exactly. If you know of one, link me to it and I'd be much appreciated!

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 4.0L manual 5 speed. When cold, engine starts take 3 times of trying to get it to start. I will have clutch in, in first or out of gear, turn key and the starter just tries and tries turning the engine over but no start. It does this three times before it finally fires up and runs strong thereafter. The engine temp on the dash read the engine is cold and then as I drive and the engine warms up, it'll be easier to start while it is warm.

I will be replacing spark plugs, just because I do that any time I buy a new vehicle so I will see what these ones look like. Other than the starting issue the engine runs strong and smooth. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[2trux]

Sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding off. Try this: turn key to run, wait 2 seconds, turn key to off. Repeat this 3 times then try to start truck. If it starts right up the check valve is leaking and allowing the pressure to drop to zero. Your 3 starting attempts are just re-pressurizing the fuel system.
It starts quicker when warm because it hasn't had time to fully bleed off pressure.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^^

 

[enjr44]

A twenty $ bill (with a 20% off coupon) will tell you for sure.


http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-injection-pump-tester-92699.html

 

[TxGasRacer]

http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/ford/4.0L/how-to-test-a-no-start-condition-1 http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/ford/4.0L/how-to-test-the-fuel-pump-1

 

[surfish95747]

Sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding off. Try this: turn key to run, wait 2 seconds, turn key to off. Repeat this 3 times then try to start truck. If it starts right up the check valve is leaking and allowing the pressure to drop to zero. Your 3 starting attempts are just re-pressurizing the fuel system.
It starts quicker when warm because it hasn't had time to fully bleed off pressure.

Okay so it does exactly what you say. To fix or replace the check valve, I am assuming that is on the fuel pump? If not where is that check valve? Sorry it took so long to reply I was making sure that is what was happening. I even took the battery down to autozone to have them fully charge it up. Thanks guys.

 

[RonD]

Check valve is part of the fuel pump, not a separate piece.

But change the fuel filter first, the Ford returnless fuel system, does have a return on the fuel filter, and while it is a long shot, that could be the problem, and for $15 it won't break the bank.

Watch the video, it isn't hard to change and should be changed every 5 years or so anyway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuaNjisCfaw