Hard Time Starting
 

I have a 2006 Ford Ranger 3.0. The last month, I've had a hell of a time starting it. Once it has been started, it will restart no problem. If it hasn't ran in the past half hour, it take 10-15 seconds to crank. Sometimes it even makes a grinding noise. Any ideas what this could be?

Battery was bought in September. I thought it might be that, and AutoZone even suggested it may be. It's an Ever Start with 2 year warrenty, WalMart put the test to it and it's easily surpassing it's own performance specs.

I have recently replaced all fluids (including anti-freeze), plugs and wires (used double platinum AutoLites), air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter. I also used the AutoZone recommended fuel treatment for my truck. None of it touched my starting problem. Other than the initial start, it runs like a real dream.

2006 Ranger, 114k miles. Any suggestions?

What happens if you cycle the key from on to off about 3 times quickly before you start it cold?

Like turn it back, so the battery is running a few times? Not sure. Will try that tonight.

Auto one suggested pumping gas a few times, did nothing.

Cycle key between on and off a few times. That will prime the fuel system (the fuel pump primes anytime you move the key from 'off' to "on") After doing that 3 times try to start it.

Also on an efi system pumping the gas does nothing. On older carb engines you had to pump the gas pedal a few times to pump gas into the engine for easy starting. It does sound like you have a fuel problem though. When was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

That is the problem! Thanks a million for the help with that.

I changed my fuel filter last month. Any way to nix this problem?

Find a fuel pressure tester it may be time for a new fuel pump.

Yes, there should a fitting under the hood where you can test pressure at. Should be 60-65 PSI key on engine off and engine running

Try cleaning throttle body with spray cleaner of your choice.

i do belive its something in the fuel pump, basically what ever is failing (been called a "check valve") is what holds the fuel pressure to the fuel rail. when it goes, it lets the fuel run back down the line and your waiting for it to come back up. priming the system just runs the pump forcing fuel down the line. belive it or not, its kinda common