Starting Problems

[freedom5]

My 2.9 starts right up when cold or hot but sometimes when the engine hasn't attained operating temp the starter will kick out. If I push the accelerator to the floor it will catch. The engine runs smooth, good acceleration etc.. I'm suspecting either the TPI or Engine Coolant Sensor. What think thee??

Jim Davis
Freedom5

 

[RonD]

ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor issue would be poor cold starting OR exact opposite poor warm starting.

Not sure what TPI is?

2.9l will have a TFI spark system, which can cause intermittent issues usually when warmed up a bit.
Good read here on those: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml
Although hard to track down intermittent issues with a volt meter, may have to wait for a no start.

"........the starter will kick out"
That could be the starter motors solenoid(on the starter motor) starting to fail or starter motor itself, so nothing to do with spark or fuel
And this can also be effected by heat, check the cable to starter for clean dry connection, at both ends.
And make sure Ground cable from battery to engine is clean and dry connection

 

[freedom5]

ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor issue would be poor cold starting OR exact opposite poor warm starting.

Not sure what TPI is?

2.9l will have a TFI spark system, which can cause intermittent issues usually when warmed up a bit.
Good read here on those: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml
Although hard to track down intermittent issues with a volt meter, may have to wait for a no start.

"........the starter will kick out"
That could be the starter motors solenoid(on the starter motor) starting to fail or starter motor itself, so nothing to do with spark or fuel
And this can also be effected by heat, check the cable to starter for clean dry connection, at both ends.
And make sure Ground cable from battery to engine is clean and dry connection

My error on the TPI - I meant TPS for the throttle Position Sensor. When the starter kicks out if I push the accelerator to the floor and let up a bit the starter catches and cranks as normal. The cables are in good shape. I'll try changing the engine coolant temp sensor first as that's a fairly cheap and easy thing to do. I appreciate your knowledge and advice.

 

[freedom5]

ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor issue would be poor cold starting OR exact opposite poor warm starting.

Not sure what TPI is?

2.9l will have a TFI spark system, which can cause intermittent issues usually when warmed up a bit.
Good read here on those: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml
Although hard to track down intermittent issues with a volt meter, may have to wait for a no start.

"........the starter will kick out"
That could be the starter motors solenoid(on the starter motor) starting to fail or starter motor itself, so nothing to do with spark or fuel
And this can also be effected by heat, check the cable to starter for clean dry connection, at both ends.
And make sure Ground cable from battery to engine is clean and dry connection

I'm also wondering about the fuel pressure regulator. It still has the same one that's been on the engine for 29 years. I don't see any leakage but perhaps the pressure leaks back.