Starting problem

[Tom Cole]

Hi, I am having a problem with intermittent starting problems that the dealer can't find the cause of and no codes show up. I have a 2002 Sport Trac. Wondering if anyone has had same problem. It started after battery went dead and I changed it. I don't know if the battery had anything to do with it or not, but that was sequence of events. A day later I came home for 1/2 hour or so and when I tried to leave, the Trac would just crank but no start. I won't go into details of tow and all that, but when we took it off tow truck it started right up. Mechanic couldn't find any thing wrong. Few weeks later same thing happened, I let the car sit for an hour or so and it starts right up. Happened 2-3 more times same thing, crank good, no start. Dealer checked security system and did electrical system ground testing. Problem didn't happen while at shop so they couldn't fix it. Happened again a couple of weeks later. Any suggestions?

 

[EddieS'04]

Try turning the key to the on position about 3 times. See if it starts after that. If so, your fuel pump is going bad.



Also check the wiring on the fuel pump trip module and the module.

 

[RedRanger 7]

I was having off and on starting problems recently. The wiring connector to the fuel pump kill switch under the glove box is cracked so I made a jumper and am bypassing the switch for now. :haveabeer:

 

[Todd Z]

Bad fuel pump OR as said,



Remove the kick panel passenger side, Just pulls off, Find red rubber caped push switch and check the wires coming out of the bottom.... I bet they are melted...



Todd Z

 

[Tom Cole]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. The Trac hasn't stalled yet so I can try the three key on trick. I think it is the fuel pump also because the gas gauge sending unit is also acting stupid, taking 1/2 hour to finally get to full after stopping at 3/4 for awhile. We will start tearing it apart soon. Will also check kill switch as recommended by some other folks. Found a YouTube video of 3 key turn trick, searched for hard start for 2002. Thanks brothers.

 

[Steve Brothers]

Old post, but thought I would chime in. My '01 had a similar (or same?) issue. I isolated mine to when, after a cold start, I would drive a very short distance of less than 1/2 mile. After a brief shut down period, it would not start. I found that if I floored the gas pedal while cranking, it would start, as if it was flooded. Don't know how to fix the problem though.

 

[Todd Z]

Old post, but thought I would chime in. My '01 had a similar (or same?) issue. I isolated mine to when, after a cold start, I would drive a very short distance of less than 1/2 mile. After a brief shut down period, it would not start. I found that if I floored the gas pedal while cranking, it would start, as if it was flooded. Don't know how to fix the problem though.

Replace the IAC motor, and Clean the throttle body........ its sticking.....

 

[Mark Heisser]

Did you find the problem my 2001 ST is doing the same thing

 

[Steve Brothers]

My trouble was only after a very short trip, and short stop, it would not start unless I floored it, like it was flooded. I replaced the idle control valve. That did not fix it. I replaced the fuel injectors, thinking that they were leaking. That did not fix it. I cleaned the throttle body with throttle body cleaner- removed it to ensure I cleaned it well. I also cleaned the mass airflow sensor with mass airflow sensor cleaner since I was in the area. That helped out a lot, maybe not 100%, but much better. I might do it again, since it has been a while, for preventive purposes. Good luck. My ‘01 Sport Trac has only 110K miles.

 

[Maxine Vannoy]

My '01 has failed to start twice. It would turn over but not start. Both times after the battery had been disconnected. The first time in my garage. I would try starting it every once in a while and finally it cranked right up. The second time was yesterday after I had a new battery installed. I kept trying and started smelling gas like it was flooded. I was getting ready to call AAA and tried it again and it fired right up. I drove it straight to the Ford dealer and left it. I forgot to tell them to disconnect the battery so I'm going to call them. It has 60,000 miles. Any ideas?

 

[Steve Brothers]

My '01 has failed to start twice. It would turn over but not start. Both times after the battery had been disconnected. The first time in my garage. I would try starting it every once in a while and finally it cranked right up. The second time was yesterday after I had a new battery installed. I kept trying and started smelling gas like it was flooded. I was getting ready to call AAA and tried it again and it fired right up. I drove it straight to the Ford dealer and left it. I forgot to tell them to disconnect the battery so I'm going to call them. It has 60,000 miles. Any ideas?

Disconnecting the battery often makes the engine computer module forget some settings, and requires it to relearn, which takes place over several cycles of driving. I find that if the truck isn’t starting normally, I can get it to start by flooring the accelerator pedal while cranking the starter. This shuts off the fuel to the injectors and allows maximum air, to clear out any flooding. Just release the pedal when it starts so that it doesn’t over-rev.

 

[Steve Brothers]

Disconnecting the battery often makes the engine computer module forget some settings, and requires it to relearn, which takes place over several cycles of driving. I find that if the truck isn’t starting normally, I can get it to start by flooring the accelerator pedal while cranking the starter. This shuts off the fuel to the injectors and allows maximum air, to clear out any flooding. Just release the pedal when it starts so that it doesn’t over-rev.

Also, you might have some sensors that are not in range or providing bad data. You might need someone “scan” the computer for clues.