starting problems?

[catdaddy614]

Sometimes when I start my X it wont start on the first try. Other times it takes more than 3 times for it to start. Usually it will start if I keep trying over and over. Battery connection is tight, starter solenoid has been replaced 5 months ago, theres a little battery corrosion but I cleaned that up. Still the problem occurs. I was thinking the starter itself? I got under there and it looks pretty original.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's probably related to the fuel or ignition system if the starter is turning the engine over, and not because the starter is bad.

 

[catdaddy614]

Now I figured out that is I put the key to the ON position and put the truck in Neutral it will start eveytime.

 

[BrooklynBay]

So it only doesn't start in park? The range sensor might be out of alignment or bad. Check the cable. They sometimes get stretched, and cause similar problems.

 

[catdaddy614]

It will start in park eventually after 5-8 times, but when I put it in Neutral it starts up with no problem. Where is the range sensor located?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's on the driver's side of the transmission in the middle, and it has a wiring harness connected to it.

 

[catdaddy614]

Ok thanks for the info. How would I be able to tell if thats the problem? I mean if it looks stretched could i get that part from the auto parts store to get it replaced.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Try to adjust the cable. If there is too much slack, and it's past the point where you could adjust it correctly, then it's time for a new cable. It's possible to adjust a stretched cable up to a certain amount. Think of the cables on a bicycle. They get stretched, and sometimes need to be adjusted, but they don't always need to be replaced.

 

[catdaddy614]

Ok, I checked the cable and it is not stretched looks good. Now it still doesnt want to start when in Neutral. It still takes at least 8 times to start it before it turnover. Where should I start before i start pulling things off?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's possible that it's a problem with the range sensor. It could be out of alignment or the contacts are starting to wear out.

 

[catdaddy614]

Ok, i'll inspect it closely. Maybe just replace it if it is a cheap enough part. Where would I be able to get this at? autozone, advance or do I have to go to a ford dealer to buy this?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com.

 

[catdaddy614]

I dont know why it does this, but when I try to start the truck over and over for a while it locks the doors and unlocks the doors.

 

[thannon]

I dont know why it does this, but when I try to start the truck over and over for a while it locks the doors and unlocks the doors.

Man sounds like u got a wiren problem??? do u have a after market radio or still stock radio in it? cause previous owner hooked up a after market radio and i had crazy problems like that turns out he had two wires crossed.

 

[catdaddy614]

Yea, I have an aftermarket radio, but... I had it for months and had no problem with it, and I also used a adapter so that cant be the problem.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Ther door locks could be just your keyless entry module resetting. I know on the older keyless entry systems, you had to cycle the ignition 6 times to program anew key fob and I think it used the door locks as an indicator to let you know it was looking for the new key fob signal.
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[catdaddy614]

How can I tell if I have a bad ignition switch?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the contacts coming off of the switch to see if there is power when you turn the key.

 

[catdaddy614]

ok, im almost sure this is fuel or ignition related, im going to take it to the shop and see what they can do.

 

[catdaddy614]

so they traced it down to crankshaft position sensor? where are those located?