My 2012 expo is developing odd starting qerks ...
1 its cranking longer and longer before it starts
and
2 it keeps cranking when I let go of the keys....????

Yes I changed the starter and still doing this

any ideas

P Scott

 

Pastor:

Two separate issues. The ignition key does not control the starter directly. When you turn the key, the truck starts it's own cranking sequence. When I start my Navi, I turn the key and release and the car continues to crank until it starts. This is normal.

Your problem appears to be longer than normal cranking until the engine fires & starts. This could be several things. Low fuel pump pressure or failed fuel pump control module (this was an issue on our trucks, google or forum search FPDM), failing fuel injector, or failed/failing spark plug or coil over plug.

I have not troubleshooted anything like this on a Ford Expedition, but you may want to start with checking fuel pressure. I believe you can put a gauge in the fuel injector rail, but I haven't done it.

Do you have an OBDII scanner? Have you checked for any engine codes? Even without check engine light, you may get a code to lead you in right direction.

PLCguy

 

Well that explains the starter issue...thanks !!!.. I wonder does running E85 all the time cause this to...now it stopped and is starting fine...only after its hot

 

Found this regarding cold starts with E85 on a 2016 Explorer forum. If it was me I'd try regular gas and E10 and see if problem goes away. Seems to happen in colder temperatures - PLCguy

"Starting Problem Update

OK...I believe we (help of other Ford mechanics) solved/identified 'starting problem'.

It turns out the 2016 has a problem with E85 flex-fuel. With the redesign of the 2016, came a redesign of the fuel pump and controller. Seems the problem occurs when the temperature drops below freezing for some time, the E-85 fuel 'evaporates' the access ethanol to a point where the fuel stuck in the fuel line is no longer flammable. The starter would crank for the duration, but the E-85 won't burn.

Verified by pumping all E-85 out of tank, replaced with a few gallons of Premium 91 gasoline, Explorer fired up without issue. Drove it around for a day or so, no problems!!

Once the fuel was down to about 15 miles remaining, I pumped a gallon of the E-85, the next morning...again...cranks just fine...no engine start.

Added a gallon of premium gasoline, and after some time pumping the accelerator, it fired up!! It idled roughly for sometime, got to the gas station...filled the tank with the premium gas to help 'clean out' the remaining effects of the E-85.

I've been using regular-grade gasoline since then...have not had a single problem since.

Went to the Ford dealership with my findings, 'officially' they claime no problems exist, 'unofficially'...talking to a few of the dealerships' mechanics...they have serviced a few 2016 with the SAME problem. After replacing the E-85 fuel with regular...problem went away. One happy FORD camper!!!

 

Here's another link about 5.4 Triton flex-fuel hard starting on E85. Seems to get worse with cold weather. I've never run E85, don't have any experience with it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...el-engine.html

 

Thanks all.. no more E85 for me until I work this out