Hard starting issues?

2002 FORD EXPLORER

210,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

RUNOXX

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Okay, so my truck will start up in the mornings first try or just after a long period of not starting. It’ll also start right after you shut it off, but it will take a few tries to start if I shut it off, do something for a few minutes and come back. Any idea on what the issue can be?

Oct 20, 2022 at 10:23 AM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,267 POSTS

Yes, this can happen when you have a fuel injector that is dripping fuel into the engine. I would try some injector cleaner to see if that helps. Also, if you removed the spark plugs and look for the spark plug that looks different than the rest you can find the cylinder or cylinders which the fuel injectors need to be changed on.

These guides can help with instructions in the images below on how to change a fuel injector out on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-fuel-injector

This guide may help as well:

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

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Oct 21, 2022 at 3:08 AM