Ranger still not starting on first try

[ezday]

I posted a thread that the truck wouldn't start on the first turn of the key, so a few people replied to clean the IAC valve. so, i cleaned it with some electric parts cleaner non-residue and it started right up. I let the truck sit for 3 days while away from home and the truck doesnt start on the first turn. I turn on the key, I hear the fuel pump and I try to start. It cranks fine, but it sounds like it needs fuel. I turn the key off and then back on and it sometimes starts on the second time but now it starts on the third time. The problem has gotten worse only a few days after the problem was solved. Any help? It is a 2002 4.0 SOHC with cali emssions.

 

[Tbars4]

...if people were helping in that thread, they will not be notified that you still need help with this new thread...

...btw, check the fuel pressure and/or search "fpr" fuel pressure regulator...

 

[beachguy]

fuel filter

 

[Dignan]

my explorer did the same thing. I also had a problem with the sending unit for the fuel gauge, so I was in the tank to fix that and while I was in there, I ended up replacing the pump as well and then the filter. When I was done, it fired up on the first turn and has ever since (about two weeks). I'm not sure which part it was that fixed it, but I'm guessing beachguy is right on with fuel filter. Since that is certainly easier to get to than the pump, I'd say that is the best place to start.

 

[Red FX4]

Typically Rangers have a check valve in the fuel pump that maintains pressure when the engine is shut off. If this check valve goes bad or has something stuck in it and allows the fuel pressure to bleed off, it will be not start the first and possibly the second time.

A quick check for this is to cycle the ignition switch on and off a few times without engaging the starter before trying to start it. When cycling on and off make sure to leave it in the on position 5 seconds or so before going to the off position. This gives the pump a chance build up pressure before it automatically shuts off. After cycling a few (about 3) times, immediately try to start it. If it fires right up you will most likely need to replace the fuel pump.

If you want to be more sure before replacing the fuel pump you can test the fuel pressure when you shut the engine off. If it leaks down at a noticeable rate the check valve is most likely bad.

I think a bad pressure regulator can also cause this problem.

 

[ezday]

thanks. I hooked the fuel rail to the pressure gauge and turned on the key, the fuel pressure went up to 10psi, then the second time i did that it went up to 15psi, the third time i did that the fuel pressure went up to 67psi. Im not sure how to check the pressure regulator on this truck.

 

[Red FX4]

I don't know much about the pressure regulator either, but from what you are saying so far I am leaning toward replacing the fuel pump.

Does the pressure leak down slowly when you turn the ignition off?

 

[ezday]

no. it is rock solid. and i have not seen any performance problems with this truck at all.

 

[ezday]

I replaced the fuel pump and it starts and runs great.

 

[Red FX4]

Glad to hear you got the problem solved. Thanks for posting the solution. That may help others with the same problem.

 

[Tbars4]

...that is always good news...