starting issue?

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

my truck is in the garage at all times. its about 57-60 degrees on cold days. but some times it has a hard time starting. once its warmed up it fires right up. its not the battery because all my lights are bright and it cranks strong. the fuel filter is about 6 months old.i just changed the plugs a couple weeks ago.the wires are taylor and have about 37,000 miles on them. it don't do it every time, just sometimes. i get no check engine light or codes. its like its not getting enough fuel or spark. any ideas?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Clean MAF sensor & IAC valve

I noticed that you have a K&N air filter. Sometimes the oil from the filter contaminates the MAF sensor. You may want to clean the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner. I also suggest that you clean the IAC valve.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

I noticed that you have a K&N air filter. Sometimes the oil from the filter contaminates the MAF sensor. You may want to clean the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner. I also suggest that you clean the IAC valve.

no i got a volant cone style dry filter. i have a k&n oil filter. i cleaned the maf about a week ago. and i cleaned the iac valve 2 days ago. the iac valve is on the driver side top of motor with a black cap correct?

 

[2000StreetRod]

engine no start procedure

Yes, that's the other type IAC valve used on the OHV. The one used on my SOHC doesn't have the removable cap.

Am I correct that the cold weather starting problem comes and goes and there are times when the engine starts fine even though its cold? Have you watched to make sure THEFT isn't rapidly flashing when the engine doesn't start?

Do you hear the fuel pump run and shut off a few seconds after turning the key to On? Try waiting a few seconds for the fuel pump before turning the ignition key to Start.

You may want to review my Engine No Start Procedure for some ideas. The "My Helpful Thread" link in my signature contains a link to the procedure.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

Yes, that's the other type IAC valve used on the OHV. The one used on my SOHC doesn't have the removable cap.

Am I correct that the cold weather starting problem comes and goes and there are times when the engine starts fine even though its cold? Have you watched to make sure THEFT isn't rapidly flashing when the engine doesn't start?

Do you hear the fuel pump run and shut off a few seconds after turning the key to On? Try waiting a few seconds for the fuel pump before turning the ignition key to Start.

You may want to review my Engine No Start Procedure for some ideas. The "My Helpful Thread" link in my signature contains a link to the procedure.

yes some times it starts up fine. even when cold. i never really paid attention to the theft light. i'll take a look next time. yes i hear the fuel pump when i turn the key. and i usually turn the key forward, wait about 2-3 seconds then start it. i'll take a look at your no start procedure in your sig. thanks for the help. i'll get back to ya on the theft light.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

well i looked at the theft light. it blinks every 2-3 seconds when the key is off and on. the fuel pump is running good when i turn the key forward. but i listened this morning to the fuel pump, it i don't think i heard it cycling like usual. could the fuel pump be going bad? like some times it cycles enough pressure, then some times it don't?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Reliable fuel pump?

If your vehicle has the original fuel pump it could be 10 years old. If the fuel filter has not been changed regularly (or even if it has) then it could have easily failed before now. Next time your engine doesn't start try recycling the ignition key from On to Off to On. That should recycle the fuel pump so listen for it. There are several possible causes for the fuel pump not running besides just a bad pump. See my Fuel Pump Electrical Procedure.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

If your vehicle has the original fuel pump it could be 10 years old. If the fuel filter has not been changed regularly (or even if it has) then it could have easily failed before now. Next time your engine doesn't start try recycling the ignition key from On to Off to On. That should recycle the fuel pump so listen for it. There are several possible causes for the fuel pump not running besides just a bad pump. See my Fuel Pump Electrical Procedure.

yes its the original fuel pump. at 130,000 miles. the fuel filter has been changed a number of times. just about 5-6 months ago. yes next time it don't start, im going to listen for the fuel pump to cycle. i'll check out your procedure on fuel pump.