Just curious, anyone have a problem starting their 2002 Rangers. When it's really cold 5* - 10* the truck will fire and die about two or three times before it finally stays running.

Sometime I can help it stay running by feathering the gas pedal a little, but then it might surge a little before it settles down to a nice smooth idle.

TIA

 

It's been down to -1.3 degrees here so far, and I've had no trouble starting my Ranger at all. Maybe you have some low quality gas, or maybe a weak fuel pump.

 

Both of my 3.0s start fine in the cold, you should talk with your dealer about the problem since you should still be under warranty.

 

rex...

I have the same problem in my ninety three ranger ext cab four litre.........a mechanic buddy told me that it's the sign of a weak fuel pump and explained that when you first fire up your car the fuel pump has to pressurize the system.....if the pumps weak it could take several seconds for this to occur. He suggested that rather than just turning the key and firing it up right away that I turn the key to the on position and wait about three or four seconds then fire it up. He said you can also do this then turn it to the off position then on position again for three seconds and fire it up. The gist being wait a few seconds for the pump to pressurize the fuel system before firing it up. I've been trying this for a few days and it seems to work for me...

I'm not a mechanic so if this doesn't sound right don't kill the messenger......good luck

marmot

 

I have a 02 EDGE and have no problems, even in -35C without plugging in, definatly the best starting vehicle I've owned, even my fathers 01 Dodge diesel doesn't start if not plugged in.

Something wrong with yours. Can you say Warranty???
Good luck with yer truck

 

I had the same problem starting my truck when it was cold on my 2002 Ranger with the 3.0 liter engine It did not die after starting (it did die a few times but most of the time not). It was hard to start and would have to crank forever to get it started. even had to start it 2 or 3 times sometimes to get it started.

However, I got it fixed today under warranty and the culprit was the air bypass valve which failed. According to the dealership, the vavle controls the idle which sounds like my truck had no idle to work with and was therefore hard to start.

It works fine now and so, that may be what your problem is which is the air bypass valve. Be worth checking into at least.

 

Just a thought but I didn't see any mention of carbon deposits soaking up the gas. As unlikely as it sounds giving the age of the truck you might want to try getting a can of throttle body cleaner and spraying down the inside of the intake or inducing it to a manifold vacuum source. BE SURE TO GET A BRAND THAT IS SAFE FOR ALL SENSORS! Some brands can take the coating off your throttle position sensor possibly voiding the warranty.
The eaiseist way step would be to take it to the dealer and let them deal with it for nothing if you can. They perform this for you, even if they want payment (due to milage?) it's not that expensive.

 

I forgot to mention you have to let the engine breathe a little a not let it suck too much fluid out which could hydrolock the engine. Also if you can let it sit and soak in for a while then drive it around giving it 3000rpms for a little while it may help.
Cowboybilly9mile has a bit better description of this process on a post from a few days ago.