Truck turns over too long before it starts.. Suggestions?

[MattAttack04]

Hello all,

I just bought this 2004 Ranger Edge with a 3.0L and 5 speed manual. It's a very well taken care of truck from what I can tell, with only 108k miles on it. It's been a Florida vehicle its whole life and looks like its never really been abused. I still need to put a bed liner in it and have already installed cruise control.

The problem is, the truck sat on the dealer lot for a about 7 months before I bought it. It looks like the dealer put about 150 miles on it with various test drives or whatever.. What it's doing is when I go to start the truck, it will turn over a lot longer than it should to start. It always starts so far, and it only does this sporadically, but I want to nip this now before it turns into something worse.

As with all used vehicles I buy, I have changed the fluids and oil, air and fuel filters. I have replaced the battery as well, but the truck hasn't really needed anything else. What should I look for?

I appreciate any help!!!

 

[Earl43P]

First, replace the fuel filter.

Second, there is a REASON why the fuel pump will run for two seconds every time you turn the key from Off to Run. It is to pressurize the fuel injection system.

Prime yours before cranking to see if starting improves.

Turn key to Run, fuel pump hums for 2 seconds.
Turn key off.
Repeat, repeat, crank the starter.

You'll probably find, through trial and error, that if you simply wait the first two second prime cycle, THEN crank over the starter, that it will reliably start.

If not, remember that Ford was marketing 100,000 mile spark plug life. For the most part, they will last pretty long, but at your mileage, they are likely original and need replaced. Pay the extra $ and buy double platinum Motorcraft or Autolites.

Enjoy your truck and welcome to The Ranger Station!


Report back (in this thread) any results!

 

[McCormack]

+1 on the priming before starting - my '00 was starting hard and after replacing the fuel filter with no improvement, I figured it had to be the fuel pump so I replaced that and there was still no improvement, and then I discovered the turning-the-key-and-letting-the-pump-prime trick. Live and learn.

 

[MattAttack04]

Ah ok. I'll try priming it first.. I can't believe I didn't think of that...

I forgot to add that I did replace the spark plugs and wires with all Motorcraft parts.

Thanks! Any other suggestions?

 

[Earl43P]

Clean the IAC, TB and MAF.

It's probably due for upstream O2 sensors.
They are a big neglect item and they can get lazy.

The 3.0 likes rpms. I avoid 5th gear on hills and around town.
You don't have any hills (except overpasses and bridges)!