interesting problem

[nooberiffic]

My 93 explorer takes two tries to start. At first I thought it was the fuel pump or regulator, but...
I tried to cycle the key a few time to build up pressure and it still does the same thing (turns but doesnt start the first try, but fires up immidiately on the second attempt). I then checked the fuel pressure and its good.

So, what gives? both battery cables are new, and the battery was recently tested (thought it was bad, but was the cables at fault).

Any ideas?

 

[j4wg]

did you try the starter cylanoid (sorry cant spell)

 

[nitro71]

Does the engine turn over completely? You might try cleaning off your battery terminals if it's not turning over very well. Spray them with some permatex anti-corrosion when your done if you do.

 

[nooberiffic]

The battery terminals are spotless. I cleaned them when I replaced both battery cables. It turns over well. The RPM's go to like 200, it struggles for a sec and then dies.
Its strange. Even if I dont turn it over completely the first time (just turn the key forward a bit, and let go) it starts completely when I turn the key the second time.

 

[nitro71]

So you have a fuel or ignition problem if it's cranking over. Unfourtunately I'm not the best one to ask for advice on chasing those problems down.

 

[nooberiffic]

Sounds like that may be the case. Im just curious why it fires the second time, since im only cycling the pump once. Even when I have cycled the pump two or three times, it still will only start the second time.

 

[nooberiffic]

didnt do a vacuum test but fuel pressure is good, battery cables are connected propery (battery, starter etc.), everything is grounded. Hmm

 

[Mettler]

Crank angle sensor is on its way out. Does your rig have a ton of miles on it? Is there a bunch of power steering fluid leaking? Power steering fluid destroys electronics. Do you live in the mid-west to east coast? They tend to use salt to de-ice the roads is why I ask. Also a corrosive. My brothers Lumina did the exact same thing. You'd have to try to start it twice. We dropped his gas tank and tightened fittings and replaced the fuel filter but to no avail. Crank angle sensor had gone bad. If one day your truck just wont start anymore and your tach doesnt move at all while turning over motor then it will be your crank angle sensor. There is a way to test them. Typically you have to take it off and put an ohm meter on it. I dont remember what they test out to, but your Chiltons should tell you. That, and if you go buy a new one, test it and compare it to the old. Just an idea.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

ive never seen the tach move while starting. Is that a trait of a mechanical tach, cause our trucks our electronic...
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[nooberiffic]

thanks, ill check it out.

 

[Mettler]

The crank angle sensor detects movement of the crank if the truck is running or just starting. It should move at least to the 200-300 rpm range while the starter is turning over the motor. If anything it should register something other than 0 rpm. If you take a look at the sensor and you see any micro cracks in the casing I would say replace it. You definatly dont want that to die on you. Without it you get nothing. But a dead battery. (from trying to start it while beating your head on the steering wheel screaming WHY ME??!!! WHY ME??!!!)

 

[92exp4x4]

Any codes? Some codes can be stored with no engine light.