2004 Escape V6 won't start when hot
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10
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2004 Escape V6 won't start when hot
Hello. I've been troubleshooting this issue and it's driving me crazy. On our 2004 Ford Escape V6 DOHC AWD, 240K miles, it will not start after it's fully at operating temp and we stop and try to restart it. It just turns over but will not fire. After waiting about 20-30 minutes, it will start up again. It had done this once in a while starting a year or so ago, then recently it does it every time. It does start when cold, although sometimes takes a couple tries before it fires up. I've put in new spark plugs, replaced the IAC valve and the vapor canister purge valve. I just added some Techron fuel system cleaner and ran it about 10 miles and still the same issue. Runs fine and never stalls when driving. The check engine light is not on, no codes either. Any suggestions on what else I can check? Thanks in advance.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
Next time you try to restart it turn the key forward, do not start. Wait about 10 seconds and turn it off then back to on - do not start it.. Wait about 10 seconds and start it. This will allow the fuel pressure to build.
Worth a try.
Worth a try.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
Check for spark the next time it does not start. The heat could be causing the cam/crank pickup to be intermittent. Coils that expand when heated may turn into an 'open' as the wires heat and expand. I would also consider the ignition switch as they are known to get sensitive with age, at least the 2008 version, which will go into crank no start, but sometimes work if you push the key into the lock cylinder with a bit of force.
tom
tom
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
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I have a 2004 Escape V6 with exactly the same issue as you described. Mine starts perfectly when cold though. Have you had any luck in fixing yours? And did you try anything else other what is described in your February post? Thanks!
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2010
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I haven't had the time to look at this yet, but the next item on the list was to look and possibly replace the crank sensor. The other thought was maybe a weak fuel pump, it was suggested to try turning the key on a few times to build up the pressure with the fuel pump next time it happens and see if that helps. I will definitely post back if I get to either and have any luck.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
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I haven't had the time to look at this yet, but the next item on the list was to look and possibly replace the crank sensor. The other thought was maybe a weak fuel pump, it was suggested to try turning the key on a few times to build up the pressure with the fuel pump next time it happens and see if that helps. I will definitely post back if I get to either and have any luck.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
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OK, we took the 2004 Escape for a long drive that replicated the drive we had on Saturday. Of course when we got back it started right up! But, luckily on Saturday when we had the issue, we did suspect the fuel pump right away. So we had turned the key on and listened for the pump to cycle before trying to restart. We couldn't hear it cycle. BUT today when we got back and it did start, we tried the same thing. We heard the fuel pump cycle. SO, we think it is very, very likely either that fuel pump or the relay or some other gremlin not allowing that fuel pump to cycle. I will update if we find anything else out or when we have final resolution. Right now we are 99% we have it isolated to the fuel supply/pump.
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2010
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My thought is it's something up at the engine since it's definitely heat related. Hoping to get back to this soon, good luck.
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2010
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It could be coincidence, but I ended up running Techron fuel system cleaner through and after sitting a couple of weeks the problem went away completely. I do recall that this engine is known to have this issue but it would always sputter and after a couple of tries would start. Fuel system cleaner would fix it, but it has never been this severe so I thought maybe it was caused by something else. If it comes back I'll post back but so far it's fine now. Thanks again.
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