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  #1  
Old 11-26-2010, 09:35 PM
Sh1 Sh1 is offline
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Unhappy Hard Start?

Hello,

I just got a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT.

Has a hard start. Usually try to start and it doesn't start, then on the 2nd (sometimes 3rd) fires right up.

Took it to a mechanic and they suggested a "tune up." Put in new spark plugs and wires, also put in a new fuel filter. I put in an air filter myself. They also did an oil change and suggested a fuel additive/cleaner. Don't know allot about that but read somewhere that those are an "upsell." So I declined.

None of the mechanics think it is the starter and when I had starter problems on another vehicle-it seemed to"cough". Doesn't do this here.

Still a hard start, mechanic said it might be fuel pump but didn't seem sure.

Check Engine light is not on when driving. All the lights come on when I am getting the hard start ie: Check Engine/Check Gauge/Battery reads as zero.

All the lights disappear upon a 2nd try when it catches.

Did notice that having the AC on when I start exaggerated the problem.
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  #2  
Old 11-28-2010, 06:37 PM
fairlaneguy fairlaneguy is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

I'm having the same problem I have read to clean out the IAC. I'm going to do it tomorrow and clean the MAF as well. I'll let you know if it works.
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  #3  
Old 11-29-2010, 05:03 AM
crowdpleazer crowdpleazer is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

about how many miles are on the engine? i take it that the mechanic did put new plugs/wires in?

and yes the fuel pump can cause problems like that. it can be tested to see if its bad (fuel pressure test)

if nothing else id start looking into a couple sensors and what fairlaneguy said. if not check compression and valve adjustment...
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1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.
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Old 11-30-2010, 12:14 AM
Sh1 Sh1 is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

Hi,

Crowdpleazer, yes the mechanic did put in new spark plugs and wires. The truck has 128,000 miles-V6 4.0.

Fairlaineguy, I read the same thing about the IAC.

Should I go back to the mechanic and ask for a fuel pump test? Also, as far as sensors, does the check engine light have to be on for a code to appear? I read something about the O2 sensor causing problems.....

----------

This was the link w/ the IAC and his symptoms sound similar to mine.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/4-0-s...when-cold.html
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  #5  
Old 11-30-2010, 04:56 AM
crowdpleazer crowdpleazer is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

im pretty sure that there can be problem codes in the computer and no lights will flash on the dash.

i would have the fuelpump tested and maybe have him look at the injectors. im far from an expert when it comes to fuel injection

sensors can be a royal pain sometimes. goodluck
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1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.
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  #6  
Old 11-30-2010, 10:38 PM
fairlaneguy fairlaneguy is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

Cleaned my IAC tonight. so far so good. I'm going to start it in the morning before work... i drive an F150 to work
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2005 FX4 Level 2 Ranger 4.0L
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1964 &66 Fairlanes
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  #7  
Old 12-01-2010, 07:15 AM
fairlaneguy fairlaneguy is offline
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Default Re: Hard Start?

Bad news, it didn't start right up this morning. Did on the second try so I'm going to clean the IAC again this weekend and maybe call a Ford tech friend of mine and see what he has to say.
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