Cranks but sometimes doesn’t start

[FillMarr]

Hey all,

I just did the fuel filter, I have a 2007 ranger 4x4 XLT with 180k on it. Recently sometimes (not always) I have trouble starting it. When I turn the key, it’ll crank always but sometimes “gets caught” or something and it stops cranking. Usually when I turn the key off and try again it will start right up as normal on a second try. Today it took theee tries, which makes me think it’s getting worse.
Any ideas? I’ve read the CEL would indicate bad coils. I would a imagine a bad starter wouldn’t crank at all.

I suppose my first step would be to pull a spark plug and see how bad /dirty it is?

Thanks
Phil

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Either the starter, weak battery, bad connection or the solenoid.

 

[FillMarr]

Thank you. I will look into all 4 possibilities and update.

 

[FillMarr]

Update: Battery has 12.6 volts, solenoid seems fine (it always cranks)...

My brother let me borrow his more sophisticated scan tool. I have the following error codes. I suppose this cries "take me to the dealer" or..... "do nothing, I'm just old!"


P1260 - "Theft detected, vehicle immobilized" possible cause: Antitheft system has failed. Possible fixes:
- replace instrument cluster,
- preform parameter reset procedure w/U2510
- replace instrument cluster module

U2510 - "Invalid or missing data for vehicle security". possible fixes:
- perform parameter reset procedure w/p1260
- repair Engine control module case ground w/U0100
- replace ignition keys w/U0100
- replace powertrain control module (PCM)
- perform PCM programming with P1260, U1900
- repaire PCM wiring w/U0100

B1602 - possible fixes:
- replace ignition keys

B1352 - ignition key in circuit fault. possible fixes:
- perform battery disconnect/reconnect w/ U1041, U1242
- repair read door jam wiring (**I did replace the rear passenger side door locking mechanism at the bottom of the door. I just plugged the new part in. Was I supposed to do something else?**)