Intermittent Problem: Won't Start
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Intermittent Problem: Won't Start
I'm having an intermittent problem with my 1994 351 Bronco that is occurring more frequently of late.
When I go to start the truck, it turns over and coughs once. Next attempt to start, the motor just cranks with no hint of a start. Next day or only hours later, I'll go out and it starts on the first crank. Due to this unreliability, I've not been driving it.
My first thought is to check the fuel pumps, filter, distributor cap, ignition wiring, etc. Beyond that I'm thinking I need an OBD meter to read the codes the system may be throwing.
The Bronco has 185K miles, has a new computer, distributor, cables, ignitors, water pump, radiator, and hoses all within the last two years.
Any hints or suggestions?
Thanks, Kit
When I go to start the truck, it turns over and coughs once. Next attempt to start, the motor just cranks with no hint of a start. Next day or only hours later, I'll go out and it starts on the first crank. Due to this unreliability, I've not been driving it.
My first thought is to check the fuel pumps, filter, distributor cap, ignition wiring, etc. Beyond that I'm thinking I need an OBD meter to read the codes the system may be throwing.
The Bronco has 185K miles, has a new computer, distributor, cables, ignitors, water pump, radiator, and hoses all within the last two years.
Any hints or suggestions?
Thanks, Kit
Last edited by o1d_dude; Oct 27, 2009 at 11:25 PM. Reason: Paragraphs?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
First off, welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum.
My first suggestion would be to check electrical connections. I know, I know, "but it tries to start sometimes". But if the weather where you are is anything like it is here, its so freakin humid that flash-corrosion occurs in hours rather than days or weeks. Enough in the right (or wrong as the case may be) places can let it start but vibrations will work things loose in a hurry.
If that yields nothing tangible and the problem persists, run a KOEO test first and see what the computer says is ailing it. If there are no codes present or you get a 11 or 111 then move on to a KOER test... the tricky part with the KOER is getting it started and keeping it running long enough to get to operating temp BEFORE you run the test.
On a side note, unless your '94 happens to be OBDII (which is rare if I recall), you don't need a decoding device any more complicated than a paperclip. Check this out..
My first suggestion would be to check electrical connections. I know, I know, "but it tries to start sometimes". But if the weather where you are is anything like it is here, its so freakin humid that flash-corrosion occurs in hours rather than days or weeks. Enough in the right (or wrong as the case may be) places can let it start but vibrations will work things loose in a hurry.
If that yields nothing tangible and the problem persists, run a KOEO test first and see what the computer says is ailing it. If there are no codes present or you get a 11 or 111 then move on to a KOER test... the tricky part with the KOER is getting it started and keeping it running long enough to get to operating temp BEFORE you run the test.
On a side note, unless your '94 happens to be OBDII (which is rare if I recall), you don't need a decoding device any more complicated than a paperclip. Check this out..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dannym
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
17
May 14, 2011 09:34 PM
rallynutdon
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
45
Sep 27, 2010 07:29 AM
galaxiedan
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jul 1, 2010 08:44 PM
