Irregular Starting/Idle Problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Irregular Starting/Idle Problem
I have a 2000 Ranger 3.0L. The last couple weeks I've been having starting/idle problems. Sometimes everything is fine, but every few starts, the engine will just crank and crank and crank and not even attempt to start. If I give it a little time, it will eventually start. And then sometimes, it will start and idle extremely rough before dying. Then if I restart it, it generally runs okay.
I searched through the posts here, and it seemed that the IAC or MAF might be my problem, so I cleaned both of those. I also checked the EGR valve, which was operating fine. So, after all that, I didn't have the problem for a week or so. Then yesterday, I get in to start it and, crank, crank, crank. Nothing. So, I immediately take off the IAC, spray inside with cleaner, reinstall it, and the truck starts perfect. So, I go buy a new IAC, install it, and disconnect the battery for a half hour to reset the computer (don't know if that was necessary, but I figured it couldn't hurt). Well, today, I get in and get the rough idle again...
Any ideas where else I might look?
I searched through the posts here, and it seemed that the IAC or MAF might be my problem, so I cleaned both of those. I also checked the EGR valve, which was operating fine. So, after all that, I didn't have the problem for a week or so. Then yesterday, I get in to start it and, crank, crank, crank. Nothing. So, I immediately take off the IAC, spray inside with cleaner, reinstall it, and the truck starts perfect. So, I go buy a new IAC, install it, and disconnect the battery for a half hour to reset the computer (don't know if that was necessary, but I figured it couldn't hurt). Well, today, I get in and get the rough idle again...
Any ideas where else I might look?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Thanks for the reply. I don't have a code reader, but I know my check engine light hasn't come on since it had been cleared after a repair I had done about 6 months ago. How would I go about checking fuel pressure? I have a general knowledge of mechanics, but I certainly wouldn't consider myself one... 
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Autozone or the like may also rent them. On the fuel pressure rail, there will be a schrader valve (same valve as on your tires). This is where the measurement is made with the gauge. Test with engine off key on, and with engine running. I don't have the pressure specs for your model year, but 30-35 psi is a good ballpark figure.
When the problem is occuring, it would also be really, really nice to know if there was no spark or no fuel.
When the problem is occuring, it would also be really, really nice to know if there was no spark or no fuel.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Thanks el conquistador and CowboyBilly. I'll check into getting a fuel pressure gauge (or hopefully borrowing one or renting one). The big problem is that it doesn't occur consistently, it's very random. Though I will have to pay better attention, in case it IS happening under certain conditions...
