hard to start

[04bolt]

Hi, I have an 01 windstar that seems hard to start at times. It will crank for 3-5 seconds before turning over. It always starts, so far, but would like to fix any problems before getting stranded. It does this randomly. Any help would be appreciated.

I did a search but didn't find anything.

Thanks

Robert

[BroncoJoe19]

3-5 seconds is not too bad.
Try this. Turn the key to ON/RUN for a couple of seconds before you turn it the rest of the way to start. That will give the fuel pump time to prime and build up pressure. If that works, you might consider changing your fuel filter.

Otherwise, it might be getting near time for new plugs @ 100,000 miles or less.

[04bolt]

Thanks for the response. I have tried turning the key to on for a few seconds, and it does not change anything. Still always starts but just takes a lot longer than normal. Van has 87000 miles. Fuel filter changed 3-5 thousand miles ago. Plugs, wires and coil changed less than 7,000 miles ago. I do hear the fuel pump when I turn the key. I was thinking possible fuel issue, but don't know where to go from here. Any further help would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to say thanks to all of you who post. I have learned a lot reading this forum, and have saved a lot of money doing the work myself. I couldn't do it without you.

Thank you

Robert

[BroncoJoe19]

Oh boy, without a definite problem or being bad enough to throw codes it is like chasing a needle in a haystack.

Maybe dirty IAC.
Maybe dirty MAF sensor
Maybe low fuel pressure
Maybe low battery voltage when cranking.
Poor grounds, even the little ones.

What does the IAC do? How does it work?
Ford Fuel Injection » Idle Air Bypass (IAB)
Check and clean your IAC
Ford Explorer IAC Fix .: Articles


Courtesy Mark v
Battery Charge Table
12.6V or higher: 100% charge
12.4V - 12.6V: 75-100%
12.2V - 12.4V: 50-75%
12.0V - 12.2V: 25-50%
11.7V - 12.0V: 0-25%
11.7V or less: 0% (and probably not capable of being recharged).

[BroncoJoe19]

Camshaft Position sensor CMP VS Crankshaft Position sensor
CMP supplies camshaft position information to the PCM. The PCM uses this information during engine startup to begin sequential pulsing of fuel injectors.

Crankshaft Position sensor CKP provides crankshaft position and engine RPM information to Ignition Control Module. (Setting spark timing info)

[04bolt]

thanks for the suggestions. The IAC has been changed 10-15 thousand miles ago, and new battery a few weeks ago. Is there any way to test the sensors? Or should I give up and wait for it to get worse, hoping for a code?