99 Explorer Hard to Start

[dsquires13]

I have a 99 explorer with 115K miles. I have noticed that it is getting hard to start. It may have to wind for 3-5 seconds before it fires. I have replaced spark plugs with no improvement. Fuel injector cleaner seems to help but only for a very short period of time. The problem seems to be worse when it is cold. Once the engine fires it never misses, knocks or pings. It runs great just doesnt want to fire. It has the 5.0L V8. Does this engine have a cold start injector?

[exploded99]

Originally Posted by dsquires13

I have a 99 explorer with 115K miles. I have noticed that it is getting hard to start. It may have to wind for 3-5 seconds before it fires. I have replaced spark plugs with no improvement. Fuel injector cleaner seems to help but only for a very short period of time. The problem seems to be worse when it is cold. Once the engine fires it never misses, knocks or pings. It runs great just doesnt want to fire. It has the 5.0L V8. Does this engine have a cold start injector?

No cold start injector - I think next you might clean the maf and iac (idle air control valve), and if you really want to do it right, pull the throttle body off and clean the back of the throttle plate. Probably pretty gunked up after 100k. Google for instructions.

If that does not help, you may have a "dribbling" fuel injector that slowly leaks fuel after you park. A plug with lots of deposits on it is your clue - maybe you had one that looked pretty bad compared to the others when you changed them.

Had a bad injector on my V8 that caused 3 to 5 second cranking - it was worst after sitting overnite. Started well when sitting only short periods - fuel didn't have time to leak much.

Hope that helps!

[bumpinkicker04]

Originally Posted by dsquires13

I have a 99 explorer with 115K miles. I have noticed that it is getting hard to start. It may have to wind for 3-5 seconds before it fires. I have replaced spark plugs with no improvement. Fuel injector cleaner seems to help but only for a very short period of time. The problem seems to be worse when it is cold. Once the engine fires it never misses, knocks or pings. It runs great just doesnt want to fire. It has the 5.0L V8. Does this engine have a cold start injector?

I had the same problem and I replaced the battery and have had no problem since.

[rangerreb]

If you do clean the IAC and the Throttle body and still experience the same problem you might think about replacing the TCS sensor (Temp Control Sensor) it lets the PCM know how warm or cold the engine is so it can allow for an erichment in fuel during cold weather and leaner during warmer conditions..