Hard to start in the morning-Then runs good

[hink12341234]

02 Taurus-3.0-100,000 miles Since last Sunday the car is hard to start in the morning. You have to turn it over for at least 1 minute and then it will finally go. After that the car run's fine. Trying to troubleshoot this for someone who lives 50 miles away. This situation does not trip the CEL. My best guess so far is the fuel filter/spark plugs. Any ideas? Thanks for the help.

[shorod]

Which engine does this Taurus have (12V or 24V)?

You really need to determine what the fuel pressure is when attempting to start the cold engine. Also, when is the last time the engine had a tune up?

The hard start could be due to bad spark plugs, a weak fuel pump, restricted fuel filter, restricted air filter, dirty fuel injectors, an out-of-range coolant temperature sensor, sticking EGR valve, faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) servo, carboned up throttle plate, and probably a few other things I'm not thinking of right now.

Have them start by adding a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank, driving for about 100 miles, and seeing if that helps. Also, have them check the routine tune up items (filters, spark plugs, plug wires).

Measure the fuel pressure at the fuel rail when the key is just turned to run on a cold engine. If the pressure is low, turn the key off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back to run. Do this a few times and see if the pressure gets up to normal. If so, change the fuel filter, then perform the check again. If the pressure still takes a few cycles to ramp up, them suspect a weak fuel pump.

If the pressure never gets up to normal, then the car may have a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

-Rod

[hink12341234]

Thanks for your reply. As far as the fuel pressure,what is the best way to check this? Have never checked fuel pressure before. I have had fuel pump's go out before but they simply quit running. Is there a tool I can purchase to check the pressure? Again,Thanks for your reply. The engine is not the 24V engine.

[shorod]

You can pick up a fuel pressure guage for under $20 at many auto parts stores or even the local Sears. Make sure it has the "Ford" adapter to fit the modern Ford schrader valves. Most new ones come with this.

You may be able to borrow one from the chain auto parts store. Give them a deposit, return the tool, get the deposit back -- ie: free.

There will be a capped schrader valve on the fuel rail that you can attach the fuel pressure guage to. With the gauge connected, perform the checks mentioned in the previous post.

Per the factory service manual for the 2002 Taurus:
-Engine running fuel pressure 350-380 kPa (50-56 psi)
-Key on, engine off fuel pressure 310-380 kPa (45-56 psi)

-Rod

[way2old]

Try turning the key to the run position(do not try to start it, just have the dash lights on) for 2 seconds, turn the key to the off position. Do this 3 times and see if car starts easily when you try to start it. If it does, either the fuel pump is getting weak, fuel filter partially plugged, or injector is leaking off. If it has no affect on the starting, we need to look for spark. Good luck.

[hink12341234]

Hey,Many thanks for your input! I was a rural mailcarrier for close to 30 years so I do know my way around a car somewhat. In the past when a fuel pump went bad the car would stop and not start. Stranded me a couple of times but at least you knew what the problem was right away. Also had some wierd things happen with faulty 02 sensors. Couple of times the car would run rough after it had been driven for 2 hours. No CEL but changed the sensor and that was the problem. I drove Dodge Spirits with the 3.0L,3speed auto trans(A great transmission)for the past 16 years on the route(100 miles-425 stops)so i have had to do most of the work myself. Don't even ask me how many flat tires that I have fixed. So up until now I have never checked fuel pressure. Will check it out at Autozone. Will change the fuel filter and plugs anyway because they are the originals. Again,Thanks for your input. John