I have an '01 Sport Trac 4.0 that recently will not always start when it's cold outside. I have read through all of the posts, but none sound like exactly the same problem I am having.
Lately, when the outside temp gets below 30 degrees or so, I have an intermittent no-start problem. Sometimes the truck will start, but immediately die and then not start at all for several minutes. The engine cranks fine, but just doesn't catch. Usually, after several repeated attempts, I can turn the key and it will fire right up, just like normal. Once it starts, it runs fine. I also notice that if I drive a short distance and then shut it off, it sometimes will not restart without going through this same process. It seems to start ok once it has been driven awhile and fully warmed up, but I also notice that the temperature gauge never seems to rise much above the 'cold' line anymore. I'm not sure if this could be related. When I first started having this problem, it seemed to help if I removed the key before trying again, but lately this makes no difference, so I think that may be just coincidence. I have replaced the fuel filter (twice), spark plugs, wires, and tried gas from different places, but no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Does it start and run if you give it a little bit of gas?

 

I find that if it tries to catch at all, a little gas helps to keep it from stalling immediately. However, most of the time when the problem happens, it doesn't even try to catch. It just cranks and cranks with no hint of ignition. Then all of a sudden, it will work just like it's supposed to and starts right away. I'm not getting the erratic idle that most of the posts I've read describe.

 

OK, so now you need to get down to basics. You need 5 things for a gasoline engine to run. Fuel, Air, spark, compression, and timing. Since the engine does run after warming up, and temperature isn't likely to affect compression, timing, and the throttle can add more air, focus initially on fuel and spark. Easiest of those two to test is spark. When it will not start, pull a plug wire and check for spark. You can do this with a plastic handled screw driver in the wire with the shaft placed very close to a ground (like the engine block). Be very careful doing this. If it sparks and grounds through you, the sensation is not pleasant. It should jump around 1/8" with a nice blue arc. If you get zapped, just because you feel a shock doesn't mean there's enough spark to properly fire. Of course, another way to check for spark is to get a spark plug and connect the wire. Then place the plug on the engine block and observe the gap while the engine is turning over. However, it doesn't give the same thrill as method 1. Either of these methods is easier with someone to help you. If you have spark, check for fuel. Best to check pressure on the rail with a fuel guage. Also, pull the codes and see if any are stored. If possible, also pull when it's in a no start condition.