explorer wont start on 1st key-turn.?? after a long trip

[Mortis]

My 2002 4.6 ,v8, used to start on the 1st cranking rotation..perfect !,

Went on a long business trip (over 500 miles,,one way. sat for 3 days then 500 back)since then . when i start it now, i can crank it over and over and over..and it will not start..only on the second turn of the key will it turn over and run,,and that isnt until it cranks 2 -3 rotations.

i checked the fuses all are ok...i dont remember if i should here the fuel pump or not? But in any case I dont hear the pump.

no codes are recorded, no "check light"

i have added seafoam..and injection cleaner..no change through multiple gas fill-ups.

 

[srk22]

does it crank with full power? a bad coil/plug would show up as a fault...
You might have gotten a tank of bad gas on your trip---change your fuel filter, its relatively cheap.
But before you do that reset your computer. Ive found for really strange things on my Mount a reset sometimes does the trick and its free.....

 

[Mortis]

I changed the fuel filter...let is set overnight ..and BAM. STARTED ON THE 1ST ROTATION the next morn.. but ill do it a few more times, after cold soak..to be sure,..

 

[srk22]

Good to hear you got it fixed....I think a lot of people overlook their fuel filter, including me. Makes me wonder how many vehicles are out their with hesitation and rough idling due to semi clogged filter.

 

[Axial32]

If you still endup having problems in the long run......... wipe off the crank position sensor......the grease, oil, and road grim tend to cause malfunctions as the levels build up.