Starting issue

[cculter]

I cannont seem to fix this problem and would like any input I could get. My girlfriend has a 96 explorer. Auto 302 V8. For some reason it doesn't like to start up when it is warm. The truck starts fine cold, but when it sits for about ten minutes or more it justs keeps cranking then finally starts. Sometimes it cranks for about 10 seconds before starting, when it does start I smell gas. I have tried to fix the problem by reading the codes, however I don't get a code anymore except multiple cylinder misfire. I have replaced the EGR, 8 plugs, all four O2 sensors, IAC, and ran fuel injection cleaner. I am out of ideas anything else?

 

[cculter]

No input from anyone?????

 

[slpdave]

I don't have any first hand experience with this problem, but with my limited knowledge...my first try would be to clean the IAC, if it is stuck open or closed it will do different things to the idle abilities of the card (I think it could even choke the engine off in some circumstances). try unplugging the connector off of it and see if it does any better.

David

 

[budwich]

I would check the temperature sensor (for the engine not the gauges). Perhaps the sensor is "slow to tell" the computer that the truck is warm which then would cause the computer to "rich" the system causing flooding and "stuff".... just a guess though... don't have any experience with v8 ex.... mines a v6.... but there have been posts about hard starts because of temperature sensor issues.

 

[Turdle]

I have a few ideas--
Fuel pump relay? Try swapping it with another relay.
Fuel filter?
Fuel pump going south?

Also--believe it or not, if the oil looses it's viscosity--the engine will not fire-

serious, try an oil change.

 

[cculter]

Thanks to those that responded, I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. I will try some of the suggestions.

 

[marragtop]

When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear the fuel pump prime for a second or 2. If that is not happening, then check the FP and PCM relays.

 

[bam_bam1ca]

If you are getting multiple cylinder mis-fires I would suspect either the cam position sensor or the crank sensor. I had a 95 4.0L with the same symptoms. Replacing the crank sensor solved it. Check the wiring on the connectors to make sure that you don't just have a corrosion problem.

The comment about the engine CPU temperature sensor is valid also. I was having some starting issues with the same truck in cold weather. When I removed the CPU temp sensor the pins were so corroded they were green. Replacing that solved the cold weather hot-start problem.

Good luck, it sounds like a sensor problem, and they suck! Unfortunately 10-15 year old electronic components aren't always the most reliable.