Hey guys, how's it going? I just got my hands on a used 04 FX4 SCREW with about 58,700k mi. I've already driven about 300 mi. with it and have been using as a daily driver. Today I parked the truck to speak with someone for literally 5 minutes, came back, when to start it, and it didn't start with two twists of the key. On the third turn, it started.

Is this something I should worry about? What could have caused it?

Thanks guys,
Anthony

 

Well, it's DEFINITELY something worth checking out...Something sure caused it to not start right away, and that something could get worse and leave you stranded if left unattended....

I am not that familiar with common problems with these trucks, but there are a couple things to remember here. If you have compression, timing, fuel, and a spark...it HAS to work. So obviously, one of these is a problem.

Sounds to me like a fuel delivery problem...if you have the tools, I'd check your fuel pressures on a cold and warm start-up...

did your check engine light come on? If so, get it scanned, and let us know what code comes up...

 

I have all the tools to build a house but, nothing for automotive work.

No check engine light came on.

Thanks.

 

Uh... No other suggestions from anyone?

 

I have the same problem. I turn the key and the motor should start I let the key go and the motor stops. 2nd key turn will not start but always starts on the 3rd key turn. Unless your talking like turning the starter for like 10sec and nothing. Mine is for 2sec.

 

Have you always had that problem?

 

Does the starter engage and the engine not start or does it just do nothing?

 

Okay, AAK...since nobody with more specific knowledge has posted by now, here's how I would go about it...DISCLAIMER: I do not have specific knowledge with troubleshooting this exact engine, so I do not know common trouble spots, or other issues...but I've diagnosed this in other vehicles...so here i go...

You need 4 things for the engine to run: timing, compression, spark, and fuel. If they are all there, at the right times...it HAS to burn! Something here isn't there right away, and I'm gonna guess from what you're describing that it's probably in the fuel system. Not likely the ignition, because you have COPs for each cylinder, meaning one bad COP would not cause you this kind of trouble, and if it were a problem with these, it wouldn't run right once it DID get started.

So, the likely culprit, IMHO is fuel flow. Possible fuel pump or fuel filter issue. Did you change your fuel filter at 30,000 as per the maintenance schedule? If not, I'd get it changed ASAP. How does it run? On WOT? Any hiccups, stumbles, or issues there?

Let us know, and we'll go from here...

 

The warp drive could engage and I wouldn't know.

I purchased the truck used as a certified pre-owned vehicle. When I got it back to my dealership I had them do their bumper to bumper vehicle inspection. They said the fuel filter needed replacing but, that I could wait until the next oil change (in about 10k mi).

Other than that issue with the startup, the acceleration is a little sluggish and the idling is a bit rough.

Thanks guys,
Anthony

 

Ookay...if it "needed to be replaced"...it wasn't done at 30k...meaning it REALLY REALLY needs to be changed.... I'd get it changed ASAP and go from there...

If it's a bit plugged up, your fuel pump is not going to be able to get good pressure up to your fuel rail right away, thus it takes a bit to get started. Likewise, when you give it some throttle, your fuel pump struggles to provide the fuel injectors enough fuel to accommodate your desired acceleration, causing your engine to run lean under throttle...

From the sounds of it, that should fix your problems.....

 

Thanks Tom, much appreciated.

Shall I just use the Ford replacement or is there an aftermarket filter that is recommended?

 

Mine did that a few times, and the dealership mechanic told me that when it's been running and is hot, some of the fuel in the rail lines is partially "vaporized"...(Don't shoot me) He said to turn the key to the run position, wait 2 seconds, then start it. It's worked every time when the truck's warmed up and has been shut off and restarted really quick.

 

It happend to me 3 times in the past month. It's sad when i'm sitting in a $50k truck that takes 3 turns of the key to start cause everybody watching. I picked up a fuel filter and will install tonight. Fuel filter makes sense as long as I can get the clips off without breaking them.

 

Motorcraft, Fram, Purolator, whatever...as long as it's a comparable filter, it should do fine.

The only time you really should stick with an OEM Motorcraft filter is when you change your oil filter, as some aftermarket filters don't have as good of an anti-drainback feature, causing a dry start.

Change it, and let us know what happens...good luck!

 

I'll head over there tomorrow then, in accordance with your post, DJ at a party?