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Old 10-22-2009, 08:06 PM
mj1287 mj1287 is offline
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Default Intermittent hard start when cold

Hey everyone.

I've done a search and couldn't come up with anything that really pertained to my situation. If I missed it, I'm sorry.

2003 Ranger FX4. 4.0L 160k miles.

Here lately it is becoming hard to start, only after sitting for a few hours. It will crank and crank, and finally start. If I step on the accelerator it will start quicker. Once it's started it runs okay, idle is high though, will finally lower down to norm. If I shut it off, and restart, it starts perfect. This usally occurs when the engine cools off.

I have cleaned the MAF sensor, is there anything else to check?

BTW, no CHECK ENGINE light or anything. Plugs and wires have less than 20k miles.

Thanks so much,

Matt
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2003 Ford Ranger FX4 - 202k miles
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Old 10-25-2009, 02:20 PM
Lorens Lorens is offline
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Default 1997 Ford Ranger 4.0

My 1997 4.0 Ford Ranger is doing the very same thing. Please help! Some Ranger owner out there must have the same starting problem. Have you figured out what this hard starting problem is? Thanks for your help! Lorens
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Old 10-25-2009, 05:17 PM
mj1287 mj1287 is offline
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I took the IAC - Idle Air Control out and cleaned it Friday. Since then, it has had one time where it wouldn't start right up. I don't know if this helped or if it was just a coincidence, but it's worth a try,
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Old 10-25-2009, 05:49 PM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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how old is the batterry, have you changed plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, pcv valve,
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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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Old 10-25-2009, 06:54 PM
mj1287 mj1287 is offline
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Battery is original to the truck... so going on 7 years old. Cranks over fine, not the issue. Plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, all are new within 20k. But, that wouldn't be the issue either, because it runs like a top, great power, no missing, gets 21mpg highway. It's just the occasional starting problem. It'll crank and crank and crank. If i let off the key and try to start again, it will start right up. But Like I said, it's only done it once since friday since i've cleaned the IAC, so maybe I've got the problem solved. Will report back if it starts acting up again.
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Old 10-29-2009, 12:26 PM
mj1287 mj1287 is offline
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It's been a week since I cleaned the IAC and I've not had anymore of the hard starts. I guess that solved the problem.
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