This is for my 1999 E250 6 cyl 4.2

Let's go slow as in turning the key to start the vehicle.

When all is working well - I turn the key to the ON position...

I hear a solenoid or switch pull in / energize under the engine cover. Then turn the key to the START position. Starts up great.

When in the course of starting, if the switch I usually hear doesn't energize, (I'm turning the key slow now) the vehicle cranks but won't start. Or if it does start --- the engine is really bogged down ! I shut the key off. Go slow - turn the key to ON. If I hear the switch pull in - I turn to start --- starts up every time if I hear the switch pull in.

This morning - cranked, wouldn't start. Worked the key ON - ON again --- until I hear the switch energize. Then to START ---- all works well.

What is the switch / solenoid that I hear and must energize to get a good start ? Seems like it has something to do with fuel delivery.

Getting worse - so I need to repair it.

 

When you first turn the key switch to "ON" that energizes the power supply under the hood, turning several relays on, like the fuel pump relay.
Also, the ECM is energized, and check several sensors, like the IAC, TPS and others.

So, you generally hear several relays and sensors "clicking" on, and you'll also hear the fuel pump run for a second or two.

What your describing sounds like a problem with the starter switch at the base of the steering column.
Key switch pushes a "rod" that slides the starter switch from lock, unlock, on to start. The switch has small copper "contact" that do wear out, and corrode, it can be taken apart, and cleaned, but in the short run, it should just be replace with a new one.

Also, you could be having a problem with the key switch, worn, and not engaging the push rod, but it sounds more like the starter switch.

 

You've given me some good insight about the switch ON then the relays kick in. There's one I hear every time --- or don't hear --- when starting acts up. I've got to take the dog house off and take a listen.

I believe its fuel related ? The fuel pump is at the gas tank however - no ? Is there another fuel type relay on the engine ?

I don't think its the starter / column issue.

 

Fuel pump is inside the fuel tank.

There is only one relay for the fuel pump, which is controlled by the ECM, and the ECM get's it's "info" some several sensors, including the MAP.

Yes, it could be a bad fuel pump relay, but from how you described the problem, with the turning of the key, and it would "catch" or not catch to energize the power distribution box, that's how I read it.

You could also do a fuel pressure test on the fuel rail, to see if the pump is up to spec's, and it could relate to a bad fuel pump, but then again, you would have driving/running issues, which you did not mention.

 

You now have me thinking a bit on the cause. Could be the contact ?

However, when all is well I hear a 1-2 sec whine - something is energizing. That must occur when turning the key slowly or during a regular start up - in which case things proceed in a second and can't decipher the sound of course.

But you could be correct about the switch....

 

That whine you hear for a second or two is the fuel pump, priming up the fuel rail, to 35-40 psi before start.

As said, it could be just the fuel pump relay that's going bad, very simple to change out, it's in the power disp box under the hood.
Try that first, and see what your results are.

If you have a helper, get in the back, under the bumper, and have the helper turn the key on, you'll hear the pump start up and shut off when the pressure is up to spec's.

 

This info is what I'm looking for. I'm familiar with the power dist box with the relays. It'll be a day or two. I'll give it a try and post again.

Thanks a lot.