Intermittent Starting Problems

Hello All,

Just a quick question. Lately I've been having problems starting my van. It cranks over nicely but doesn't seem to catch till about 5-10 sec after turning the ignition on ( kind of like when it is cold outside in the winter). I know it is not the battery (less than 6 mths old). Sometimes it will start on the first flick of the switch, sometimes it will start only after 5-10 seconds of holding down on the key. Any ideas??

Thanks
Dion
P.S: For those who read the post..Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!

Well, I'll start with the obvious: Are basic tune-up items up-to-date? Weather-related starting problems always make me suspicious of ignition (how old are your wires?).

Another thought: Does it seem to start right up if you depress the gas pedal slightly when cranking? If so, I'd be suspicious of a sticky/dirty IAC.

P.S. I read the post. And a Merry Christmas to you!

Well, I'll start with the obvious: Are basic tune-up items up-to-date? Weather-related starting problems always make me suspicious of ignition (how old are your wires?).

Another thought: Does it seem to start right up if you depress the gas pedal slightly when cranking? If so, I'd be suspicious of a sticky/dirty IAC.

P.S. I read the post. And a Merry Christmas to you!

I tried depressing the gas, made no difference. I had a tune up done last year so I would expect it to last longer than a year. The IAC should be ok as it was checked less than 6 months ago.New wires and plugs.

Hmmm - interesting that the 'usual suspects' seem to check out.

Fuel and air filters? Probably also replaced.

Were the replacement spark plugs double platinum (i.e., platinum nubs on both the center electrode and ground electrode)? The Windstar's shared-coil, waste-spark ignition system needs them.

Anyone else have thoughts?

As far as I know they were.Could it be the starter itself? How to know for sure??

If it sounds like it's cranking fine, I wouldn't suspect the starter.

Its cranking fine, just not catching! What else could be held accountable for this. I reset the fuel pump switch, anything else?

I once had an unusual starting problem on my Mustang that I ultimately traced to a bad check valve within the fuel pump assembly. It resulted in the same symptom: Unusually long cranking times (once running, it was fine).

Knowing the fuel line pressure would be useful. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? There are gauges available designed to mate to the fuel rail pressure release fitting.

Are there any other symptoms - once the engine is running - that might help track this down?

Hello All,

Just a quick question. Lately I've been having problems starting my van. It cranks over nicely but doesn't seem to catch till about 5-10 sec after turning the ignition on ( kind of like when it is cold outside in the winter). I know it is not the battery (less than 6 mths old). Sometimes it will start on the first flick of the switch, sometimes it will start only after 5-10 seconds of holding down on the key. Any ideas??

Thanks
Dion
P.S: For those who read the post..Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!

Hello, I had similar problem with my 3.0 Windstar. To make a long story short I replaced my tps sensor and it cured my problem Like yours. Its only $20 bucks at pep boys.If it does'nt work check the coolant sensor with an ohmeter against the spec's in chilton's or hynes.
P.S: checking my tps sensor with an ohmeter did not verify its malfunction was intermitent like yours. This should get you going before the canadien air arrives. Good Luck and Happy Holidays

I notice today that if I turn the key ahead without starting the van for a couple of seconds , then crank the engine it usually fired up right away. Not sure, but maybe it allows the fuel pump to build a little pressure first before starting. What do you make of this? I also pressed the fuel pressure switch in the back just to make sure it was in fact engaged.
There are no other symptons after start, just during the start. Once it is going, it runs perfectly..knock on wood!!!

Yes, this may be important: If, for some reason, the fuel system is having trouble getting up to the correct pressure quickly, it could result in the symptoms you're seeing.

There's a 'sock' filter on the end of the fuel pump inside the gas tank (totally separate from the in-line filter). I've heard of situations where the sock filter gets so clogged that fuel pump can't get fuel quickly enough. Sadly, the only way to get to the sock filter is to drop the tank and remove the pump assembly.

But first things first: Come up with some kind of fuel pressure gauge and see how quickly the pressure comes up when the ignition is first turned on, and if proper pressure is maintained while the engine is running.