Engine intermittent hard starting?

The signal is from the crank sensor. When this happens, does the starter turn the engine or is there no sound at all? This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please run down this guide and report back.

Starter always turns, engine almost starts but then only starter turning without any engine firing. If I stop cranking, go to off and try again, it starts immediately. Again, I will tell you I installed a new fuse panel a few months ago, and now a new fuel pump driver module and still have the same problem. I sure hope you can help me, I love the car. Its the best car I have ever had. Thank you for your reply. William Aseere

Base on that, it sounds like you are not getting enough fuel pressure to start the first try. Try this and let me know what happens.

Cycle the key from off to on 3 times. Each time, let the key in the run position for a couple seconds (don't engage the starter). On the 3rd time see if it starts.

Let me know what you find,

When following your instructions the engine starting problem is less than it was, but it still does it every 6 or 7 tries. I'm expecting it not to start at all someday. I can only hope it does it while I'm close to home. Any othe hunches?
William

Hi:

This is such a tough one since on only happens at times. To me, it sounds fuel related, but that doesn't mean it isn't an electrical issue. In your original post, you asked where the module gets it's signal. The signal is via the crank sensor through the PCM. Yes, that could be an issue, but even though there is no RPM signal, the fuel pump should still prime and start the engine for at least a couple seconds.

Thank you for your opinion. I have a couple questions: When you shut the engine off after operation, does the fuel line including the fuel pump itself have any sort of check valve preventing fuel from draining back into the tank? Was the fuel system designed to preserve trapped fuel in the line for the next start? It feels to me that some sort of a leaky check valve or even a seal could let the fuel drain back and therefore create the exact problem I have starting. It just feels like that situation, not that I think that is the problem.
Thanks again, William

Yes, there are check valves that should maintain a minimum amount of pressure to the system. What you have described is called fuel pressure drop off. Basically, when the engine is turned off, the pressure quickly drops to 0. As a result, the next time you try to start it, the fuel pump takes a little longer to build the proper pressure. That is why I had you try cycling the key three times. In three times, the pump should have primed the system to start normally.

Would you like direction or a video to check fuel pump pressure, the pressure regulator, and fuel pressure drop off?

Yes,thank you. A video would be great. Your instructions are also great and logical. William

Here is a video:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fuel-pump-pressure-and-regulator-test-video-all-cars


Here are written directions:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. If I recall, the video was made using a Ford vehicle.

Let me know what you find. When you check, the pressure should build quickly. However, when you turn the key off, it should maintain for some time and not just drop to 0.

Thank you much. I ordered a fuel pressure kit and after following your instructions I will get back to you. You guys are great!!!
William

I'll look for your reply. Did you see if a parts store would lend you the fuel pressure gauge?

New find! This morning I did the 3 try sequence and the starter was cranking and engine sounded like it was being starved for fuel, but all of a sudden the starter dropped out and back in while holding key in start position (as if a relay intermittently was opening). The starter then continued to crank the engine without a pop. I then went to off position then start position and engine started immediately. Whew!!!!.....William

Just the past week, I went to start and had an extended crank to start on warm restarts. It seemed okay cold. Took where I work, and found residual fuel pressure to drop quickly to zero. Replaced fuel pressure regulator, and still drops to zero but not as quick.

How long does it take? Try turning the key on and wait 2-3 seconds, then see if it starts. Some Fords, have a revised idle air control valve due to extended cranking time...can also be caused by a fault PCV...or vacuum leak.

It takes about 10 seconds to start-if I cycle the key then restart is almost normal. Also, if I turn the key on for about 2-3 seconds it starts fine.

After replacement of the fuel pressure regulator, it doesn't seem to take as long, but at times, still cranks maybe 5 seconds to start. Cold start up has now also been affected.

Do you own any OBDII scanning equiptment that can read sensor data?

No, that is something I don't have....

If you are looking for a OBDII I selling one on ebay called the autoxray code scout 1500. Highest bid so for is 99 cents. It was only used twice. Works great.

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
Go here and checkout our video.

Car turns over but takes more than a few seconds to start. Battery good.

Have you checked fuel pump pressure? When was the last tune up?

No tune up on long long time. Have not checked fuel pump.

It may need a good tune up. However, fuel pressure should be tested first. Here are the directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I have a problem with cold starts as in sitting overnight. I have no codes and no check engine light. I have checked fuel pressure as well as checking and cleaning the ICT sol. and checked operation I have also cleaned the MAF. The problem remains. It will crank a very long time and sometimes when it starts it is running way to rich. Another thing I have noticed i after cranking a long time the second I release the starter it will start. At all other times the car starts and runs great. Any ideas??

what is the exact fuel pressure??

did you check the pressure regulator???

ICT solenoid??? never heard of that

Roy

Fuel pressure is 55. I havent checked the regulator and the ict is on the rear of the intake plenum

what does ict stand for???

can you post a picture??

Roy

Sorry its the IAC sol.

Ok, thanks. When you checked the fuel pressure, did you test it first thing when it has the extended crank?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

When it cranks for a long time does the tach move up a little showing RPM.

Roy

engine didn't start; idle control valve was replaced, two weeks later is now exhibiting the same symptoms prior to not starting before. Obviously, the IAC was not the issue; something is causing the idle to get stuck, but what is it? I don't want to spend anymore money having mechanics not know exactly what is the problem.

It may be they got a bad IAC. I have a question. If the vehicle has 38K on it, I need you to check you warranty manual. I believe it is still under emissions warranty, and this problem will fall under that.