Hard starting when cold and squeak

[sunmicroman]

Recently my 02 Windstar has been getting hard to start, especially when cold. It cranks over fine but takes a lot of cranks to finally catch. The fuel pump and idle sensor were replaced last month.

It also started developing a squeak that goes with engine rpm and seems to quiet down when the engine gets warm or is run for a while. Any ideas?

[Lbert]

Did you check the oil level, when was the last oil change, and what grade of oil are you using?

[wiswind]

There are several possible causes.
One thing that you can do, locate the label on your vehicle that shows the serpentine belt routing.......so that you know how to put it back.....

Then, TEMPORARILY remove the serpentine belt from the motor.
Start the motor and let it run ONLY for a VERY short time.......no more than about 15 seconds.

If the squeak is NOT there, then it is something on the serpentine belt path.....Air Conditioning Compressor pulley, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, alternator, Power steering, etc.
If the squeak is STILL there....then it is not on the serpentine belt path.....

Re-install serpentine belt as per the diagram.....remember that a smooth pulley gets the smooth side of the belt......grooved pulley gets the grooved side of the belt.

If the Squeak is still there, one thing you can look into is the Cranksaft Position Sensor (CPS) or the CPS synchronizer.....the shaft/gear that the sensor is mounted on.
The CPS is easy to replace.
The CPS synchronizer can be tricky.....you have to mark its position, and make sure to install the new one in the SAME position......or it is tough getting it back in correctly.