Long cranking at start-up hard starting

Tiny
WILLOWWREN
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 FORD ESCAPE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
For the past three months I have had trouble starting my vehicle and it seems to crank forever before actually starting. If I turn the key to "on" position for a few seconds then try to start it, it will start right up. But if I do not do this it will crank for about five seconds before it will start. I have had the spark plugs replaced, and the battery and alternator are fine. There was a recall for a fuel module part and I got it replaced. I have had it both at the Ford dealership and an independent mechanic, and neither have been able to fix it. It is also a little sluggish in accelerating and does not seem to have the power it used to. Any suggestions?
Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 9:51 AM

34 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

It sounds like the fuel pump is losing pressure overnight from a failed check valve. That is supposed to retain pressure for startup.

I would check the fuel pressure in the morning when it has sat overnight.

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

and

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

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
WILLOWWREN
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I will have someone check that and let you know if that is the problem. Thanks for your help!
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Dealer tech here. What has happened in several dealers is that techs were using wire cutters to crimp the new clamp when replacing the fuel delivery module plastic housing. We have had to purchase the proper crimpers to ensure a proper crimp so that pressure does not release from the fuel line from an improper crimp. We have had to re-do dozens of them with this mistake and the symptom matches yours to a t.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:23 PM
Tiny
WILLOWWREN
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes, there was a supplement to the fuel delivery module recall stating that long cranks and hard starts after replacing the fuel delivery module could be due to improper installation of the clamp. I took my Escape in once I became aware of the supplemental recall and they supposedly fixed it. It did not take care of the problem though.
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 1:23 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That was good information.

Back to the fuel pressure test when cold. Are you able to do this check?

Roy
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 3:12 AM
Tiny
WILLOWWREN
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I have not yet. I do not have a fuel pressure gauge so I guess will need to get one.
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Thursday, November 8th, 2018 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You can rent one from a parts store. Comes with instructions on how to attach it.

Roy
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Thursday, November 8th, 2018 AT 5:53 AM
Tiny
MK808
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 FORD ESCAPE
  • 133,450 MILES
Have noticed in the last 6 months that I've had trouble starting the escape.
It will "crank" 3-4 times before it starts then it runs fine after that, but sometimes it wont start at all. Thought that it might be the battery, took it to Autozone & found out that it was fine. Replaced it anyways. 3 months later I'm still having the same problem. I'm scared to take the car anywhere in fear that it wont start. Could it be the alternator? Or some other unknown issue? Please help!
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
The first thing I would do is put a fuel pressure gauge on it before starting and see what the pressure does when attempting to start it.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TARISMENTAL
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD ESCAPE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
2002 ford escape hard start, consumes fuel, lost of horse power
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
If the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free. Next, check the catalytic converter to make sure it isn't plugged. Keep in mind, if the engine hasn't been tuned up for a long time, it could need it. Make sure the air filter is clean and there is no obstruction in the intake.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LISALOVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD ESCAPE
2002 Ford Escape

Every few days my Escape has trouble starting. The engine cranks, but doesn't turn over. After a few minutes it finally starts. Then I don't have a problem starting it again on the next attempt or for a few days. It seems this problem of starting the engine occurs once every 15-20 start ups. Any idea on the issue?
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MJINGLEI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I also have a 02 Escape and I've been having the same problem. I've been told that it's because sometimes it's not fully into park, so I usually try and put it into neutral then back into park. Sometimes this works sometimes it doesn't. I hope this helps somewhat. Good luck with your Escape. Let me know if you figure anything else out.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE1132
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD ESCAPE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
2002 ford escape engin cranks for a long time before starting, this is an intermitent problem
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Check your fuel pressure regulator and mass air flow sensor.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
go here to learn how to check fuel pressure
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ITSWRONGWAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,250 MILES
When the car is cold it's hard to get it running. It sputters and stalls several times before it catches and does run but real low ideal with a misfire I can't step on the gas because it will backfire through the intake and stall out. After the engine gets to running temp it does smooth out and most of the time the misfire goes away but when I step on the gas the motor is real lazy to rev up and hesitates. So far I put in new plugs, new intake seals bottom and top, new maf sensor, new tps sensor, new ideal control valve and cleaned the fuel injectors and new injector seals. I don't have a ton of money to put into it so can someone please help.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
With today's engine if check engine light is on or off scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. Then check for a vacuum leak with a can of choke cleaner. Also clean throttle plate on both sides and iac hole with cleaner.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GDILGER26
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Started with a little miss at start up and idle. Intended to just replace all coils, plugs, fuel filter. Didn't have enough for coils so only changed plugs. Checked plug gap. Ran worse when I finished. I noticed recently that there are only four wires running through the harness to the front three coils maybe 10" before reaching them. There are two wires spliced to one of the four at harness. Is it possible someone replaced wiring harness with a harness from a four cylinder engine and if so, what would be noticeable problems? The coil connectors are two terminal.
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)

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