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Engine is hard starting?

Tiny
BROKERSWAP
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
155k- car has trouble starting in the morning, once it starts it runs good - it's easy to start when warm?
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 AT 10:51 AM

32 Replies

Tiny
98RANGERXLT
  • MECHANIC
  • 301 POSTS
This sounds like a weak fuel pump but to be sure lets run down these guides to see if we can fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Thursday, June 28th, 2007 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
BROKERSWAP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
3.0 litre 24-valve, auto.- Check engine lite on for last 70k miles- Cleaned out ther plenum with carb cleamer and fixed 2 vacuum leaks, so the car idles better
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Friday, June 29th, 2007 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
HARLEYRYDER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
When I start thr car it takes too long to start. After starting it runs perfect.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi:
What you need to do is check for fuel pump pressure drop off. When you turn the key on, there should be pressure. WHen you shut the key, it should hold pressure for some time. WHat you need is check for fuel pressure drop off when you first shut the key. IF it drops off right away, that is why it takes time to repressurize the system and longer to start.

Here is a how to for checking fuel pump pressure and drop off. Check it and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Joe
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JAS_22
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 8,500 MILES
Engine will not start unless accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor. When engine starts it has no power or acceleration and catalytic converter turns red and gets hot enough to catch on fife. Fuel pressure is at 35psi.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check firing order, make sure its firing on all cylinders

check for excessive fuel in cylinder and on plugs
check fuel pressure regulator

remove O2 sensor before catalytic converter and check exhaust back pressure
if high suspect clogged catalytic converter
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAY.TAYLOR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
Starts and runs fine when engine is cold. After is warms up it cranks about three times longer then when cold. After it starts runs rough for about 15 seconds than smoothes out. Do not notice any problems when driving
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
This is something that is going to require some troubleshooting to find the cause. When the problem happens is when it can be tested. I suggest making an appointment with a shop you are comfortable with to do the testing. Set up an appointment so that when you show up, the problem will be present and the diagnosis can be done. Make it clear that when you get there you want it checked at that time because that is when the problem is present. They should be expecting you and you should be prompt. May be a spark, fuel or timing issue. Needs to be diagnosed.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TEENABURGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
My car seems to have a hard time starting. I have the starter checked and it seem to be just fine. What else should I have checked?
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Is the starter turning the engine at a normal speed? Is it always hard to start? Has the check engine light come on? Has fuel pump pressure been checked?
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SIRRIUS27
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD TAURUS
  • 155,000 MILES
Like its starving for gas. When it does start idle fluctuates and when accelerating it dies. Ive changed the fuel pump and filter.

I just changed pcv valve. Car idles good, but when driving, after it shifts starts to lose power, when I let off pedal, gains power again. No codes now.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Check fuel pressure first.

Start there

Roy
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SIRRIUS27
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Update:dropped gas tank, replaced fuel pump, repaired gas gauge, car runs grrreeeaaat. Thanks
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good job
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HOWDYCRAWFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My car wont start and it has a new battery and alternator. When I go to start it it turns my electronics on but the starter makes a rapid clicking noise. I was wondering if theres any way to find out if its a short from the battery to the starter and how to fix it.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be the battery itself or loose connections also the starter relay-start here
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:29 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HOWDYCRAWFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay. Thank you cause I just got a new battery Sunday and it started for about 3 days and now it won't start at all. My radio and lights and everything works but the starter just clicks until I stop trying to start it.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:29 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RUBY DOSS SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,860 MILES
Wouldn't start when I came out of store. Started with a jump but when turned off wouldn't start again. I put new battery and alternator on and checked plugs and fuses but still wont start. Lights and everything work just wont start.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:29 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Does the engine crank over when it will not start?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Roy
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:29 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RUBY DOSS SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Doesn't do anything when trying to start.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 11:29 AM (Merged)

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