Scoutmomof2
New Member
- Joined
- March 1, 2011
- Messages
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 XLT, 6 cyl
My '96 Ex, 4.0L, 4x4, 150,000 miles, has recently developed a problem with not wanting to start when the engine is warm. I believe the mechanics at the service station I use are very good. This issue of not wanting to start when the engine is warm has them baffled as well. I have read some of the similar threads on this subject, and they don't sound quite the same, however - I am not a mechanic!
Normally starting is easy. When it is 10 degrees outside, I can open the passenger door, reach across to the ignition, turn the key and it starts right up. No gas needed. When the temperature is warm outside, same thing, starts right up. Now if I am running errands, and have several stops to make requiring shutting the engine off and starting again, about the third or 4th time, it will not start. The engine is trying to turn over and start but doesn't quite get there. It does the errrrr errrr errrr errrr thing, and you know it is coming but doesn't happen. If I continue to hold the ignition on, the vehicle will even shake a bit (I know I should not do that...). Pumping the gas will not get it to start. If I let it set for an hour, it will start right up as if nothing was wrong. If I do not have time to wait, I will open the hood and squirt about 3 or 4 shots of starter fluid in, and then it will start but will run kind of rough until it you give it some gas and idle for 20 -30 seconds or so. Then it runs fine as usual. During the time it is not starting, the usual lights are on in the dash. The "check engine light" is not illuminated after these incidences.
Mechanics have replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the maf, checked the starter, tested the fuel pump, and swapped out fuses. The battery was replaced this past summer with a 6 or 7 year Interstate. Otherwise, all other maintenance items are done on schedule. The alternator, water pump and fuel pump are original. Still this "gremlin" hangs around...
One more thing, I had it happen to me again today, and it was raining. I do know it was raining/snowing or the roads were wet on at least 2 other (or more) occasions when it would not start. Would this have anything to do with what is causing it? Or it may be a coincidence, since we have had a wet winter.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!
Normally starting is easy. When it is 10 degrees outside, I can open the passenger door, reach across to the ignition, turn the key and it starts right up. No gas needed. When the temperature is warm outside, same thing, starts right up. Now if I am running errands, and have several stops to make requiring shutting the engine off and starting again, about the third or 4th time, it will not start. The engine is trying to turn over and start but doesn't quite get there. It does the errrrr errrr errrr errrr thing, and you know it is coming but doesn't happen. If I continue to hold the ignition on, the vehicle will even shake a bit (I know I should not do that...). Pumping the gas will not get it to start. If I let it set for an hour, it will start right up as if nothing was wrong. If I do not have time to wait, I will open the hood and squirt about 3 or 4 shots of starter fluid in, and then it will start but will run kind of rough until it you give it some gas and idle for 20 -30 seconds or so. Then it runs fine as usual. During the time it is not starting, the usual lights are on in the dash. The "check engine light" is not illuminated after these incidences.
Mechanics have replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the maf, checked the starter, tested the fuel pump, and swapped out fuses. The battery was replaced this past summer with a 6 or 7 year Interstate. Otherwise, all other maintenance items are done on schedule. The alternator, water pump and fuel pump are original. Still this "gremlin" hangs around...
One more thing, I had it happen to me again today, and it was raining. I do know it was raining/snowing or the roads were wet on at least 2 other (or more) occasions when it would not start. Would this have anything to do with what is causing it? Or it may be a coincidence, since we have had a wet winter.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!
