2002 mm 4.0 random extended crank times what would you recommend checking? like i say its totally random usually starts by holding the key in start position for 1-2 seconds but like i said random extended crank times of upto about 5-10 seconds and then it will start normal after that for a while can be warm or cold engine when this happens.

thanks wayne

 

Sounds like a fuel pressure issue. At least where i would start. Check your fuel pressure, make sure it jumps up there when u turn the key on, should be around 40 to 50 er so.

 

Thanks i will check that but have to get the ford adapter for my gauge i only have chevy fitting

wayne

 

also make sure it holds the pressure when u turn key off probably has bad check valve in the fuel pump

 

turn the key on- wait 4 seconds, turn off, turn it on again, wait 4 seconds... do this 4-5 times and then start motor... if that helps, you have a fuel leak off problem.

 

I am having the same problem with my 94 Explorer. This problem has caused me to replace original parts - fuel pump assembly, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator - with new Motorcraft parts. These replacements were caused by diagnosis of poor fuel pressure, not lack of fuel pressure. I have also run a can of Seafoam in the gas through the engine. I have cleaned connections to the ICM and the coil pack. The problem is random, sometimes I have to turn the key on and off up to 7 or 8 times to get ignition. The fuel pump runs its normal 2-3 seconds, all the appropriate dash lights are on and the fasten seat belt chime works so I am not experiencing a total PCM failure. This weekend my Explorer is sitting around with a fuel pressure gauge attached which I borrowed from my mechanic. I am starting it 2 or 3 three times per day. One failed start happened Saturday morning before I put the gauge on. I turned the key twice with no fire. I put the gauge on and turned the key, got good pressure and no fire, turned the key on again and the engine fired and started. I am trying to trap the condition to prove either a no fuel pressure or a no spark condition. I will post again if I can find anything conclusive.

 

Check and clean the Crank sensor connector, down by the front of engine, pack connector with dielectric grease.

 

Aquanaut20 - thanks for the advice. I have ordered a crank position sensor and when I replace the current one I will check the connector and its wires. I will also use the dielectric grease. Shipping will take 3 to 5 days and I will post the results later.

 

Is there a reason you ordered a new one prior to testing the current sensor??

 

Yes - the current sensor dates from 1994 or earlier so I figured I might as well install a new sensor while I am poking around in that area of the engine.

 

An update to my no start problem. For the past six days my Explorer has sat in my garage with a fuel pressure gauge attached. I have started the car 3 to 4 times a day without encountering any problems. The fuel pressure reads 36psi after fuel pump prime and 28psi when engine is running. The first day prior to installing the pressure gauge I had a no start situation on the first start attempt. I installed the pressure gauge and tried again - second time no start - fuel pressure read 36psi. On third start attempt the engine fired and continued to cooperate for the rest of the week. I am now looking for an intermittent electrical ignition problem, I am satisfied fuel pressure is not the problem. I have been advised to watch the tach when the no start condition occurs, if the tack is not moving then zero in on the primary ignition system.

 

Also watch the "Theft" or "Security" light in the instrument cluster to see if it flashes during the no start.

-Rod