My 2001 ranger XL 2.3L I4 is having a crank/ start issue so sometimes when I go to turn it over it cranks for 3-5 secs and probably longer if I held it but it cranks and starts right up on the immediate second crank no problems and there is no Idle issue but it also sometimes will turn over on the first crank after 3-5 secs and sometimes it takes a second on the second crank too.

So I replaced the old battery with brand new one and the terminals think it was a connection issue but after switching over it still did the same thing and the spark plugs were replaced before I bought it but it was no more than 3 months ago that they were replaced also the fuel pump was replaced and assuming the filter was too and there radiator.

So with that I took it to O’reillys for a diagnostic read and the code P1537 came up but the computer said it could a number of things like:
vacuum hose
intake manifold runner control actuator
engine intake manifold
intake manifold runner control solenoid valve
intake manifold gasket
positive crankcase ventilation hose
positive crankcase ventilation elbow
intake plenum gasket

and so looking at that it looks like either the intake manifold or positive crankcase but I figured I’d ask because someone has to know what is wrong also the code issue could have nothing to do with the starting problem so someone please help me with my engine crank problem and whatever I need to replace because of the codes. And the Odometer is like 155K Thank you!

 

Welcome to the forum

P1537 Intake Manifold Runner Control(IMRC) Stuck Open (bank1)

2001-2003 Ranger 2.3l had IMRC, it was dropped in 2004 to 2011 2.3l Rangers, just FYI, it has issues, lol

Most common issue was the vacuum line on drivers side of engine down low
Drawing here of that vacuum hose: https://ww2-secure.justanswer.com/up...6_090148_1.jpg

Its the hose with the sharp bend at the bottom, cracks there or comes off
IMRC issues shouldn't effect startup, if its not working correctly it will cause loss of power at certain RPMs when driving

Google: Ford Ranger IMRC repair

As for the start up
Try turning the key on, count to 3 then turn it off
Then turn it on again and try to start engine

It reads like your fuel pressure may be bleeding off back to the gas tank, since you don't mention smelling gas it not leaking externally
If fuel pressure is low then engine won't start
Turning key on raises fuel pressure by 10psi, but that's it, you can crank til the cows come home and no more fuel pressure, in fact it drops even more when cranking
So try "Priming" the fuel system(key on/off) 2 or 3 times BEFORE cranking over the engine
And see if it starts up faster

In 2001 there are 2 places in the gas tank you can lose fuel pressure, BOTH are on the fuel Pump assembly, so you would change the assembly to correct this problem

 

Okay Thank you RonD! I will try and look into what you have told me! Hope it works!!