Hi everybody, I just bought an escape and I’m having problem after only one week. The car was bought from a dealer with 135k.

When I try to start it in the morning it cranks but wont fire. Usually after 4-5 times it start. After that it starts on first try during the day. It seems to be worse when it’s colder. I was thinking it must have something to do with the fuel line loosing pressure during the night so today I tried starting it by turning the key to on for 4-5 seconds and back to off. Did that 4 times and after that it started on the first try after 4 misfire. I am not sure what to do now... had a look under... no leaks at the fuel filter. Should I be testing anything else... like could it be a problem with the mix of air or something like that? Or Am I right thinking it’s something wrong with the fuel line/pump?

Also when I bought the car I had it inspected and the guy told me that the spark plugs needed to be changed. Could it have something to do with my problem?

I hope you guys can help me here.
Thanks
Mat

 

Fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator

 

When it starts is the check engine light on? Could be the plugs while your doing them change the upper and lower intake gaskets also the pvc valve.

 

He may be guessing, but it may be a good guess too. Replacing plugs on the V6 is kinda hard, the rear ones anyway.
Maybe consider replacing the COPs at the same time.

Is the check engine light on? Auto parts stores will check the trouble codes for free.
When they do it, look at the reader's screen yourself & jot down the codes.

If you suspect that it's fuel related, one thing I'd do is replace the fuel filter.

Since it's easy to do on the V6, I would clean the IAC, noting how bad it is.
Install a new gasket.

 

Thank you guys for the responses. (There was no engine check light on)

I took the car to the Ford dealer and got the sparkplugs and fuel filter replaced.
He also said there was a vacuum leaks from a hose(?) and fixed that too.

This morning when I tried to start it.. not much improvements. Still get the crank but no fire even after holding the key on start for 3 seconds. Started on third try.

The guy said that the battery is not in good shape and would need to be change soon.

My next step is to check and clean the IAC. I was also wondering if It would help to reset the computer and go through the relearn process? Any thoughts?

Thanks
Mat

 

What appears to be happening is that your fuel pressure leaks down after you shut off. When you try to start, it takes a bit of time for the pressure to build and deliver fuel to the injectors, so you have to crank longer. The cycling of the ignition from off to on several times allows the pump to prime, and fill the fuel system with fuel, so when you finally crank the engine, it will fire right off.
The pressure can leak down through several avenues. Leaking injectors will drip into the intake manifold. A leaking fuel pump {inside the tank} can allow the fuel to drizzle back into the tank. Leaking fuel lines can allow the fuel to leak out into the world.
It would be indicative to test the fuel pressure using a gauge. Then you would know if the pressure is leaking down or not. I would suspect the fuel pump, which is accessible under the lower seat cushion on the drivers side rear seat. There is a removable access panel for ease of replacement. It is not difficult, but you must take normal precautions against sparks. It would take less than 15 minutes to do, if you wanted to replace it.
tom

 

IAC motor needs cleaned, I have two 03 07 and they both do it