My 2001 Ford Explorer runs great, but when I try to start it after turning it off after a couple hours when the temperature is warm it has to crank about 8-10 seconds before starting. It starts perfectly fine if engine is cold or hot. Any idea?
4.0l
155k
Automatic
Crank position position sensor. When they start to go bad car starts fine when cold but won't start or has trouble starting after running. But it will start again after sitting for awhile
Thanks Rob, I'll try the first suggestion from Russell and if that doesn't work I'll test my voltage on my CKP and replace if necessary. Didn't even think about that.
How warm is warm? That sounds like your fuel is being heated & evaporating.
Instead of cranking it for that long & cooking your starter, cycle the key each time you hear the fuel pump turn off.
You'll get to know the sound, it's in the "on" position without going forward to start. When you hear the pump shut off, turn the key off & do it again.
Three times should clear the line of vapor or atleast cut down on that crank time dramatically.
The warm I'm talking about is anywhere in between cold and the mid temperature on the gauge. I always put my key into the on position and wait for the fuel pump to primer every time before I turn the ignition over. I will do as you suggested and try it a few times before starting. I just replaced my starter a few months ago probably because of this issue. Thanks for your input.
Did you fix the explorer......
RussellJKelly81's suggestion worked. I finally had it in a situation where it would always crank for several seconds. I turned to the 'idiot lights' like Scotty calls them 3 times priming the fuel pump before turning over. Engine turned over normal. It must be a fuel vapor issue.
I would put some injector cleaner in the tank to see if it cleans up what could be partially clogged injectors.
I've been adding injector cleaner every time I change the oil between 3-4k miles. It's possible they're a bit clogged after so many years, but I think this is a fuel vapor issue. RussellJKelly81's suggestion worked for me - priming the fuel pump a few times before starting. I appreciate everyone's suggestions. You all are awesome.
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