2007 XLT 4.0L hard to start.....WTF??

[Chienlaid]

So here's the deal. Lately I've been having a hard time starting my 07 Ranger. It's only got 12000km and a few times it just cranks and won't start until I turn the key off then back on after that it starts.

I also noticed that I get a rotten egg smell coming out of the tailpipe. Last time that happened on my contour I had a bad intake gasket.

I have a feeling that if I bring it to the dealer they won't find anything.

Guys have any idea what could cause this?

Some of my guesses are MAF sensor, fuel delivery problems or maybe a clogged fuel filter?

What do you guys think? I'm no mechanic guru!

[HotShotMedic]

hmm, i've had a few extra cranks on cold mornings, in addition to sloppy starts here and there, also on cold mornings, but it always turned over. unsure what the issue is. my exhaust smells uber sweet.

[Chienlaid]

Usually takes 2 turns of the key to start. Almost like the fuel system doesn't stay pressurized or something. I usually listen for the pump to run then I start it. But now I have to turn key once try it....then turn it off.....turn it on let the pump do it's thing...then it starts.

Gotta be something with the fuel delivery. Fuel pressure sensor?? Is there such a thing? Rotten egg smell I think indicates a rich fuel mixture.

[Northern Supercrew]

rotten egg smell sounds like a catalytic converter to me. if it's getting plugged, that will make a hard starting prob. my old 90 f250 had it's converter let loose and it ended up in the muffler. hope you figger it out.:icon_wink:

[v8ranger]

i would take it in an tell them to check it out leve it over night

[Northern Supercrew]

an 07 should still be under warranty. make them fix it.:icon_wink:

[4x4.0]

I agree, may be under waranty..Lower intake gaskets are a known problem area on ohv's ,not sure about sohv's. FPR may have taken a dump also if you have to cycle the key twice to make it start.

[HotShotMedic]

any update chien?

[Chienlaid]

Gonna bring it to the dealership this week. Get those guys to figure it out. Gonna keep bringing it back until they find the problem.

[Chienlaid]

So here's an update. Brought the truck in and by what the service guy was telling me it's not an uncommon problem. Turns out they reprogrammed my PCM as per a Ford Technical Service Bulletin. So I'm guessing Ford is fully aware of this problem.

Just thought I'd let everyone know.

[Viper238]

So here's an update. Brought the truck in and by what the service guy was telling me it's not an uncommon problem. Turns out they reprogrammed my PCM as per a Ford Technical Service Bulletin. So I'm guessing this is a known issue.

Just thought I'd let everyone know.

Thanks..

I just noticed our '05 Escape XLT 3.0 v6 is doing the same thing...

Doesn't start up on the first try after 5secs will stop and try again and bang up she goes..

It's not a big deal.. but I will have them look @ it when it goes in for the oil change..

it has 35k on it.. BTW

[Chienlaid]

My truck has 13k.....Left the truck there over night, not sure if it acted up for the mechanic that worked on it, but he did what he had to do. Not sure exactly the new program corrected but so far so good.

[Randman]

There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) describing this concern. Take it to your dealer to have the latest reprogramming done. Reprogramming is covered under basic 36/60 warranty but not 60/100 powertrain.