My 2008 Ford escape xlt 2.3 (not a hybrid) automatic has a hard start about 1/2 of the times I start it up. It'll crank for 15-20 seconds (rough estimate) before eventually starting. Other times, it seems fine. This all started after a mechanic that wasn't my usual mechanic replaced my gas tank a while back. Could it be related to the fuel system?
Forgot to mention 125,000 miles on my beast. I only paid $300 for the car so really it has been great for me. I'm a college student and it takes me back in forth in the PA winter times with ease. I put about $2,000 since owning it overall (this includes a new set of tires) it has needed a new gas tank, fuel rail pressure sensor, exhaust clamp, tie rod, brakes, and ac charged. Also when I first got it the ac only worked on fan settings 3 &4 but I fixed that myself, no cost. I've put almost 25,000 miles on it and it shows little signs on slowing down besides the hard start.
Yes, fuel system problems can cause a hard start. I would check the fuel pressure.
