I own a 2000 Ford Excursion gas V10 with 118K miles. When it runs, it runs great. No hesitation, good power, idle is fine. However, twice in the past month, after sitting outside in warm Colorado fall weather, it will crank, but not start when engine was cold.
- On the first occasion, I started the Excursion, but had to turn if off immediately afterwards as I needed to check the operation of one of the lights on the instrument panel. I then tried to start it again. It would crank, but not start. I was able to get it started after letting the vehicle sit for about 20 minutes. Vehicle was on flat ground.
- However, on the second occasion, it would crank, but not start when engine was cold. The only difference from the first time was that it was facing downhill.
Had it towed to the local Ford dealer on a Sunday afternoon. It has started and run for them OK for the past 4 days. Fuel pressure is "perfect." No codes on their scan tools. They continue to keep the vehicle and start it every day when engine is cold, even drive it and try to restart it when engine is hot, but with no success at duplicating the issue. I have read online about this problem, and solutions are all over the map--fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump relay, fuel pump cutoff switch, fuse in the security system, PCM relay, PCM, crankshaft position sensor, vacuum leak, fuel pump control module, accessory delay relay in fuse panel, terminal end on negative battery cable corroded or loose, chip reader for chipped key, shift cable bracket loose (not start in Park), idle control valve, exhaust recirculation valve, cold idle issue, throttle air bypass valve. Now that the vehicle is starting and running OK again, what things should I recommend to the dealer to check?
Dealers cannot seem to duplicate ANY issue you tell them you have. Then, when you have an issue that's obvious, like engine oil squirting over your windshield, they'll tell you it's normal.
I had a similar issue with a 2002 Silverado. I later learned that it would have issues in damp weather or heavy dew, or just cloudy out at times. I would head up the distributer cap and it would start right up. I had it at the dealership but they could not figure it out, when I sold it the guy thought he might know the issue, but I never did find out.
Finally figured out 2000 Excursion cranks, but not starts intermittently problem. Replaced 22 year old fuel pump. Has run great since it was repaired in Jan 2022 (current date is 25 Aug 22).