3.0 V6 cranks for a while before catching

[joecool85]

My 2000 Ranger has the flex fuel 3.0 and sometime within the last year I noticed it is taking longer to catch. It spins over nice and fast (new battery last year), but probably cranks for 3 seconds or so before catching. I know this doesn't seem like long, but it use to catch in 1 or 2 seconds.

It drives fine and gas mileage is the same as always (20mpg).

I have replaced the fuel filter and air filter (though just because they needed it, not for this reason). Would spark plugs do this? Wires? More apt to be a fuel thing?

 

[99dange]

Try turning the key to the on position for a few seconds before you try starting it. It could be from a weak fuel pump and it is taking it longer to bring it up to pressure than normal. If this works it could be the fuel pump getting weak or there is some kind of restriction in the fuel system causing it not to build pressure as quickly as it used to.

 

[joecool85]

Try turning the key to the on position for a few seconds before you try starting it. It could be from a weak fuel pump and it is taking it longer to bring it up to pressure than normal. If this works it could be the fuel pump getting weak or there is some kind of restriction in the fuel system causing it not to build pressure as quickly as it used to.

I had thought of that a tried it a few days ago with no success.

 

[dynamike]

Correct me if I'am wrong , but isn't that one of the warning signs of a worn camshaft position sensor ?

 

[cp2295]

Replace plugs and wires.. And it's not a bad idea to check the nylon gear on the Cam position sensor.. Make sure you read about how to do it first!! Also you could hook up a timing gun and make sure your hitting tdc on the #1 cylinder at 10 degrees. You can't change your timing (other than replacing the chain).. But you could check and make sure it's right. I don't see go a chain could jump gears. Going back to the CP sensor, you might see if you have any pending codes, p0340 I think is one code indicating a bad cps. The cps keeps the fuel and spark delivery in time so that's a big issue. Just make sure you have no codes.. Crank position sensor, evap emissions, etc.. Get back and let us know after you change the plugs and wires though (if you do, I definitely recommend), and see if that helped. If not check the other things I mentioned

 

[RonD]

You need to cycle the key on for 3 seconds then off, do this 3 times, then try to start.

The computer only turns on the Fuel Pump for 1.5-2 seconds when key is first turned on, so you need to repeat this a few times to see if pressure(or lack of it) is the issue for the delayed start.

This is to test if there is a leak in the Fuel system or check valve in fuel pump is leaking, so fuel pressure is lost when truck sits awhile.

Since your MPG isn't effected then could be the check valve in the fuel pump if this, key on/off makes the engine start faster.

Cam position sensors are a known issue on the 3.0l, these time the spark and injectors.

CKP(crank position) sensor failure would usually cause a no start, really haven't read of a delay on starting related to these.


Yes, old spark plugs can slow down starting

 

[joecool85]

Sounds like plugs and wires are in order, I was planning on replacing them anyway. That said, we've decided to sell the truck (not because of this issue, it's just time), so I don't know if I will bother. It's starts decently, just not as swiftly as it use to.

 

[joecool85]

FYI, I've sold the truck but it ended up being a starter that it needed. The old one was shorting out some of it's windings and not turning the engine fast enough. Eventually it stopped working entirely. New starter and all was well.