Hard to start
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Greece New York
Hard to start
I have a 1998 4.0 Ranger that is an absolute pain to get started. It just started doing it today. I went out this morning and it cranked for about 3 or four seconds then started. Ran fine, then after it sat for about 2 hours it did it again, but if I shut it down hot then start it up immediatly after its fine. The other day though it did kind of sputter for a second when I punched it. What are the odds that my MASS air sensor is dirty from my cold air kit?
Thanks,
-Phil
Thanks,
-Phil
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
I'm thinking you have a bad check valve in your fuel pump. Try cycling the key on and off to run the pump a few extra times to build pressure. You should be able to hear the pump run for a few seconds each time you turn the key on.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Greece New York
No check engine light. I hooked it up to my laptop and all the sensors seem to be in range. Maybe its the fuel filter. I haven't changed it since I bought it and I did run the tank to near empty last week on a trip. Any Ideas?
Thanks,
-Phil
Thanks,
-Phil
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Greece New York
Fixed, I think
Its been a little colder now and the problem is GONE. I don't understand how for 3 days it was extremely hard to start and now its fine.
Any Ideas?
Thanks,
-Phil
Any Ideas?
Thanks,
-Phil
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Homer, Alaska
Are you pressing down on the throttle while trying to start the engine? The computer is expecting the throttle to be at idle while trying to start the engine. If you are pressing on the throttle, that could be the reason. Just a guess!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
You may have gotten a lot of dirt on the pickup filter in the tank when you ran it down and now it has washed off a bit. I still don't think it would hurt to change the filter and test the fuel pressure.
