ranger issues

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Jan 29, 2014 | 06:57 AM

Albert Sanchez

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ranger issues

I own a 2003 3.o v-6 ranger, after a short or long drive, my truck has a hard time starting.. Starts fine before any driving.. PLEASE HELP

Jan 30, 2014 | 07:30 AM

Rockledge

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Is the check engine light on, or has it been on at all recently?

Does the "hard start" occur after every warm-up? Or only sometimes?

Jan 30, 2014 | 11:29 AM

cbenz73

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Elaborate on "hard start". Does it not crank, crank slow, crank good but not start, crank good but just doesn't wanna completely run?, ect.

Jan 30, 2014 | 03:14 PM

Albert Sanchez

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2003 ranger issues

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockledge

Is the check engine light on, or has it been on at all recently?

Does the "hard start" occur after every warm-up? Or only sometimes?

No, no engine light. And yes it happens all time after warmed up..

Jan 30, 2014 | 03:16 PM

Albert Sanchez

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good cranking, just alot of turning over before starting..

Jan 30, 2014 | 03:30 PM

cbenz73

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Sounds like you may have too rich of a mixture maybe. Dirty sensors will sure do that.

Jan 30, 2014 | 05:17 PM

Albert Sanchez

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cbenz73

Sounds like you may have too rich of a mixture maybe. Dirty sensors will sure do that.

Dirty sensors, Could you elaborate where I could look??

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Jan 30, 2014 | 05:24 PM

cbenz73

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go wot when you go to start it next time

Jan 30, 2014 | 07:41 PM

#10

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

I'd probably start with the map sensor

The OP's '03 Ranger doesn't have a MAP sensor; instead, it uses a Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF).

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbenz73

go wot when you go to start it next time

Worth a shot. Pushing the throttle pedal all the way down during cranking (WOT) will prevent the fuel injectors from firing. This could help if the hard start is due to a fuel mixture that is too rich.

The flip side of that is, you can try turning the key on and off several times prior to cranking. This will (or should) cause the fuel pump to prime the system several times. This could help if the hard start is due to a low fuel pressure-type of issue.

Of course, neither of the above tips are as good as a good old-fashioned fuel pressure test, and so if you can get your hands on a FP tester, go for it.

Jan 30, 2014 | 09:29 PM

#11

cbenz73

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Awe I see, haven't worked on the newer 3 liters. Could even be an issue with heat soak in your ignition. Oh the possibilities.

Feb 1, 2014 | 11:01 AM

#12

Albert Sanchez

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2003 ranger issues

So, if I do have low fuel pressure. What are my options?

Feb 2, 2014 | 12:46 PM

#13

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Sanchez

So, if I do have low fuel pressure. What are my options?

First change the fuel filter and run some fuel injector cleaner through the system, and see if that helps; otherwise, you may need a new pump assembly.