Help Please-Hard to Start
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Help Please-Hard to Start
Hello Everyone!
My truck is a 05 Super Crew Cab 2wd with 55,000 miles, and I noticed lately that is hard to start in the mornings (temperatures are about 40-60 degrees). It has gotten to the point that I turned the key, the engine cranks (for a couple times) and then shuts-off. All this while I am holding the key in the start position. However, if I keep holding the key for a second, the engine comes back to life for another turn and it fires right up!
This is our only reliable vehicle and is the mainly used for errands/school, etc. I have performed scheduled services but not the tune-up b/c I am affraid that the dealer will break the plugs and I cannot afford to pay for their mistake.
I tested the voltage in the battery (12.50 volts) after I drove around the block. Any ideas as to where to look for problems?
Any input is greatly appreciated it.
My truck is a 05 Super Crew Cab 2wd with 55,000 miles, and I noticed lately that is hard to start in the mornings (temperatures are about 40-60 degrees). It has gotten to the point that I turned the key, the engine cranks (for a couple times) and then shuts-off. All this while I am holding the key in the start position. However, if I keep holding the key for a second, the engine comes back to life for another turn and it fires right up!
This is our only reliable vehicle and is the mainly used for errands/school, etc. I have performed scheduled services but not the tune-up b/c I am affraid that the dealer will break the plugs and I cannot afford to pay for their mistake.
I tested the voltage in the battery (12.50 volts) after I drove around the block. Any ideas as to where to look for problems?
Any input is greatly appreciated it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
The truck is old enough it could need a battery. I've had batteries go bad as soon as 6 months old and had them last for as long as 9 years. A bad battery could still show 12.5 volts with no load. Take it to a parts store or service center and have the battery load tested. Your truck shouldn't need a tune up yet as Ford recommends 100,000 mile intervals on normal useage plug changes. If the battery checks ok, then you'll have to check further for other problems. I have an 02 Taurus that the battery went bad. The voltage checked at 12.4 with no load, but as soon as you opened the door voltage dropped to 9 volts. I generally follow the diagnostic routine in the Ford shop manuals for problems like this. The first thing I check is the battery.
Greg B
Greg B
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Thanks, I will have it tested tomorrow at an auto parts store. I referred to one of the examples that you mentioned where the voltage dropped to 9V just with opening the door. I had my digital voltmeter (sp?) while my wife turned the ignition and I saw the voltage dropped down to 8V when the engine elapsed and it wehn back to 13V upon firing up.
Thanks, and referring to the tune up, it is reassuring to know that a tune up is not needed yet...
I will post an update within the next week.
Joe
Thanks, and referring to the tune up, it is reassuring to know that a tune up is not needed yet...
I will post an update within the next week.
Joe
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RBerry9511
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
11
Feb 7, 2020 04:31 PM
banshee_man_96
Excursion - King of SUVs
47
Nov 22, 2018 07:20 AM
400inatruck
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
8
Jul 3, 2013 04:08 PM
