$500 later, starting problem still exists

[davem]

Back in December, I posted here about my 2001 Explorer (61,000 miles, V-6 ) having a starting problem: starts good cold, but warm it up, turn it off, then restart 30 minutes later - long crank before it would start.

Thinking this might be covered by my 6-year Powertrain warranty (its not), I went to the local Ford dealer. Read the code: P03006. Checked the plugs, coil, etc, reflashed ECM. Problem resurfaced in 2 days. Tried different plug wire - same result. Tried cleaning fuel injectors, same result. After more analysis, they think it may be fuel pump ($700+). Now over $300 into it, I decided to try an independent shop who we've had good results with in the past. After 3 days, they are not sure whether the fuel pump will address this.
I get the analysis bill today - I expect it to be another $150+. They suggest keep driving till it fails altogether.

Both shops claim they are not billing me for all the time they've actually spent on this, and they are probably being truthful. Plus I've complained and they have adjusted things a little. I know they need to be paid for their time, but still, its very frustrating to spend the time/money and not be making much progress.

I do occasionally have a bad cold start, so the symptoms are evolving a little.

I've never had a car problem where it could not be diagnosed. Any suggestions ?

Thanks.

Dave

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Well, I'm a technician - and to be honest, diagnosis time is HIGHLY degraded. With problems such as yours that are intermittent, those come with a higher percentage of not being able to figure out without a lot of time. Vehicles are getting more and more complicated with more and more switches, modules, computers, which guess what - fail. So instead of just have normal "it should do that, if it doesn't replace it" we now have "well if it doesn't do this that or this and it does that and this, then go here and see if this module isn't working". But enough about that.

Fuel pumps can have the problems your talking about, but I'd like to have my own diagnostic time on it -- to check fuel pressure and to keep that hooked up at all times if that is what they are expecting. I'd have a noid and spark checker to see if i'm getting fuel injector pulses and spark. If your getting good fuel pressure, spark, and fuel injector pulses - then your problem is else where (maybe in the pump). There's a lot of things that can cause a no start issue.

-Drew

 

[LBarr2002]

I've got the same problem on my '92 OHV. It will start fine cold, but let it sit for a little while and it doesn't want to start...been looking but it has no diagnostic codes and can't find anything wrong.

 

[exploded99]

There are a few things you can try -

Modify the way you start the truck. Turn the key to on, and listen for the fuel pump to run. After the fuel pump quits running, you should have fuel pressure. Then see if it starts right up - if that seems to fix it, then I would suspect the fuel pump. I would wait at least 5 seconds. Also, watch your Check engine light and make sure it lights every time you turn the key to on. The check engine light and a running fuel pump each time you turn the key to on verifies that the fuel pump relay and ECM relays are working.

Can the IAC only cause hot starting problems? Yes - not common, but I would replace it to rule it out since its only 50 bucks or so. You can easily do that yourself.

Also, clean the MAF - its most likely not the issue, but with intermittent problems, its smart to make sure everything thing else is in tip top shape.

Given whats been done to the truck already, if none of that helps, then you may need the upper intake manifold gaskets replaced - assuming this is the OHC. Thats discussed in lots of places on this site.

Hope thts of some help!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

The leaking intake gasket is usually only happening on cold start - but will run fine after its warmed up.

-Drew

 

[davem]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll keep monitoring.

And I'll keep the two truck number handy.

Dave