2000 Ford Explorer hard starting

[Mack tennis]

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer xlt that randomly is hard starting. When it does it runs well, and would even start right away. Without anything to to pin down the issue it will crank and not start until after several tries which may take up to a total of 5 minutes. This happens randomly. Maybe once every 2 weeks . Anyone have any ideas what's going on?

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

is it throwing any codes?

 

[Mack tennis]

Engine light is not on. Have not checked for codes

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

Yeah, you need to go to auto zone or advance auto to use there code reader or buy one, which owning one pays for itself very quickly. Other wise we all would only be giving you educated guesses.
Loquetus

 

[98 MERC]

Oh man welcome to my world.My 98 does the same thing.Its embarrassing when i go shopping and come out and tons of people are getting into their cars and i cant start mine.LOL.I have seen this happen to other explorers around town.I cycle my key like 5 times and it starts most of the time.The other guy i seen last year did the same thing in the parking lot.He cycled his key a few times and it fired up.I have come to the conclusion it the fuel pump.Mine gurgles and sometimes will squeal.But it is mostly quiet.Since a few key cycles fixes it.Its gotta be it.I talked to my mechanic last week and he said a guy came in with the same truck and same problem.He put a fuel pump in and it was fixed.It seems other people have put a pump in a fixed the same problem.Do get your vehicle scanned for codes tho ! Make sure your check engine light comes on when you turn the key on and goes out when truck starts

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

If there are no CELs or codes, I too suspect a faulty fuel pump.
My Ranger had the same symptoms, and a new pump cured it.

You can change the fuel filter, and check the inertial shut-off
switch, but chances are it's the pump.

 

[Mack tennis]

Thanks for the heads up guys. I will definitely get a code test from auto zone and look into the fuel pump option.