Another Ranger Starting Hard

[ezday]

Well, i have a 2002 ranger with a 4.0 sohc with cali emissions. The truck runs great, its getting it started that is the problem. I have cleaned my fuel injectors with Napa Pro Cleen, changed plugs, wires, coil pack, egr valve, and put a new battery in a month back. I will crank it over the first time and it sounds like its needing fuel. I recycle the key and the truck starts on the second time, normally. I also cleaned out the throttle body a week ago. This is my only vehicle and i need it to be dependable. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Do you hear the fuel pump prime?

 

[Glen4X4]

Welcome To The Forum!

 

[Turdle]

You might try this

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=IAC+valve

When it is running, do you see the "check engine" light?
Also-do you see the check engine light when you first switch on the key, without cranking?

 

[Glen4X4]

If your going to clean the IAC valve if you have some try to have a Q-Tip on hand it helps because the dirt don't always come out with the spray.

 

[ezday]

yes sir, when i turn on the key i hear the fuel pump prime the system and i have had no performance issues with this truck. the check engine light does not illuminate when i have the truck running. it does however illuminate when i turn on the key. Thank you. Its nice to get some sound advice.

 

[ezday]

I cleaned out the IAC valve and it started right up. I left it at my house for a few days and now it takes 2-3 times of trying to start it to actually get it going.

 

[Glen4X4]

Thanks fer the update. Has your truck always been like that if you left it sit a couple days it'd take awhile for it to actually start?

 

[Firestorm]

How well did you actually get it cleaned. You may take a toothpick, and run it in between the springs on the IAC, this pushes and raises the little cup below that allows air to bypass it.

Also, I'm not sure, maybe there is water in the tank? Maybe your fuel filter? Just suggestions.

 

[Wrench]

One of first things I check with a hard start is tche fuel pressure. When ignition switch is first turned on (KOEO) to prompt fuel pump for 4 seconds, use a fuel pressure guage connected to the fuel rail schreader valve. If fuel pump is running it should reach OEM specs for your engine type on the first prompt. The engine needs the higher pressure to start than run, except WOT. If fuel pressure does not reach this pressure on the first key prompt (KOEO) you have a fuel delivery problem (fuel filter,fuel pump, pressure regulator).
Next check the leakdown pressure for no more than 5 psi. for 5 minutes. If it drops more then that then your fuel pump check valve is defective, a fueline/injector leak or pressure reg. problem.
Try this- turn the ignition switch on (run position - not start) and off after each 4 second fuel pump prompt - three times consequtively. Now try to start engine. If engine starts right away then you know its fuel pressure/delivery problem.

 

[ezday]

I have replaced the fuel filter recently, but it could use it again. This problem didnt occur until i had left my truck sit for 7 months while i was deployed. And i never had a problem before that. Thanks i will try that as soon as i can get a free moment to check it out.

 

[Wrench]

Unless you put a gas stabilizer in the fuel and mixed it around before you let it sit for so long I would pump out the old gas before doing anything else, refill with fresh stuff. Did you leave your gas tank full while it sat? Lets hope varnish and gum from the old fuel has not caused your present problem.

 

[ezday]

Is there anyway that you can reset the IAC valve? Is there anyway to get to the fuel pressure regulator without taking of the truck bed? It says that its attached to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. Is that correct?

 

[BrooklynBay]

There is no reset button on it. It could be cleaned or replaced.

 

[Glen4X4]

Clean it, while your cleaning it have your negative batt. cable unhooked from the batt for at least 10 minutes so your computer can reset its self and re-adjust to the cleaned IAC, then see if you notice any difference.

 

[ezday]

I hooked my truck up to the pressure gauge and turned the key on. The fuel pressure went to 10psi, I tried it again and it climbed to 15 psi, finally on the third try I turned on the key and it went to 67 psi. So, it looks like the fuel pump is bad. I have another question though, in a previous reply someone had posted that there was a fuel pump check valve. Where is that at? I have been looking in the haynes manual and I dont see anything about it. Is it in the fuel pump itself? Either way the fuel pump is getting replaced. Thank you for your help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the fuel pressure regulator first.

 

[ezday]

how do you check the fuel pressure regulator? I thought that the fuel pressure regulator bled off the excess fuel pressure while it is running?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Connect a fuel pressure test gauge to the fuel rail to see what the PSI rating is.

 

[ezday]

the PSI rating koeo is 65-72psi. thats what it is while the truck is running.