03 Exp EB - Starting problems, sometimes
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
03 Exp EB - Starting problems, sometimes
03 Exp EB with 5.4. I have owned this car from new, always pampered and maintained properly. I always use the same gas station (Shell with the 97 octane). We were traveling two years ago and I went to a Shell in Georgia. About 3/4 of the way to full I noticed the dreaded 10% ethanol sign on the pump. Horrified I stopped the pump and cringed at what was going into my car. We got back on the highway and burned that garbage off as fast as possible. I ran the tank as low as I felt comfortable driving. Then I filled it up with 93 octane 100% petroleum and when I hit the starter it didn't fire up right away like it ALWAYS has in the past. When I got home I gave Shell a piece of my mind. Premium price for a premium product and they were substituting ethanol for petroleum. They didn't do anything.
Ever since then we have had issues starting the car. Sometimes it will crank for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes it will start right away. When it cranks for 10 to 15 seconds and starts it acts like it's starving for fuel. Runs a little shaky, but 3 to 5 seconds later is smooths out and compensates for the shakes. Runs fine after it's started, never any other issues.
I've had a Ford dealer look at it, they can't find anything. I've tried different octanes every once in a while, no change. I'm in Ohio, so it's been started on 0 degree days and 100 degree days, no changes. I've tried turning the ignition on and waiting, and going straight to the starter. Nothing makes a difference.
My thoughts are the spark plugs are coated, but I need a guru opinion.
Thanks,
Dave
Ever since then we have had issues starting the car. Sometimes it will crank for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes it will start right away. When it cranks for 10 to 15 seconds and starts it acts like it's starving for fuel. Runs a little shaky, but 3 to 5 seconds later is smooths out and compensates for the shakes. Runs fine after it's started, never any other issues.
I've had a Ford dealer look at it, they can't find anything. I've tried different octanes every once in a while, no change. I'm in Ohio, so it's been started on 0 degree days and 100 degree days, no changes. I've tried turning the ignition on and waiting, and going straight to the starter. Nothing makes a difference.
My thoughts are the spark plugs are coated, but I need a guru opinion.
Thanks,
Dave
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 37
From: Central NYS
If you turn the key to "on" and you don't crank it right away, the PCM runs the fuel pump for 2 to 3 seconds and then shuts the pump down. Try turning the key to "on" wait a few seconds (did you hear the fuel pump cycle?), shut the key "off", then turn it back to "on", wait a few seconds, and back to off, then try to start it.
If that makes it start better, your fuel pump's check valve is prolly leaking and letting the fuel pressure drop when the engine is off. Then when you go right to "start" it has to crank a while to get the pressure up to where it can spray a nice mist out of the fuel injector.
You didn't mention the number of miles on the vehicle. Is it time for the fuel filter to be replaced?
Of course, extended crank time can be caused by a number of things.
If that makes it start better, your fuel pump's check valve is prolly leaking and letting the fuel pressure drop when the engine is off. Then when you go right to "start" it has to crank a while to get the pressure up to where it can spray a nice mist out of the fuel injector.
You didn't mention the number of miles on the vehicle. Is it time for the fuel filter to be replaced?
Of course, extended crank time can be caused by a number of things.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
10% ethanol doesn't do anything to your fuel system...and you are going to find it pretty much nationwide.
about the only effect it causes is reduced mileage
E-85 (85% ethanol) on the otherhand, can and will ruin your fuel system unless you own a FFV
for the starting issue, I agree 100% with the above post...another alternative is the PATS module. but that causes problems trying to start...not with after the starter cranks over
so yeah, I'd lay money on the fuel pump/filter issue
about the only effect it causes is reduced mileage
E-85 (85% ethanol) on the otherhand, can and will ruin your fuel system unless you own a FFV
for the starting issue, I agree 100% with the above post...another alternative is the PATS module. but that causes problems trying to start...not with after the starter cranks over
so yeah, I'd lay money on the fuel pump/filter issue
