I have a 2001 Ranger 4.0. It’s been hard to start everyday. It only happens on the first start. Throughout the day it’s fine. Someone told me to change the fuel pump so I did and there was no change. I do not have a check engine light. Looking for advise from those that may have had the same issue. Fuel filter looks pretty new. I have owned the truck about a yr. Runs good other wise.

I tried attaching a video but it’s not letting me. so let me describe the issue. Motor cranks without firing. I have to do this about 4-5 times and eventually starts. Then runs perfect. Throughout the day starts without any issues.

 

Try turning the key to run, wait until the fuel pump stops, then back to off, then back to run, wait for the pump to stop, back to off, then try to start it. If it fires right up, one posibility is you have a fuel injector not shutting off completely (due to vanish-like build-up in the injector, it can be cleaned out) and you're loosing pressure in the manifold (aka fuel rail) when it sits for a long time. But four to five tries sounds like a lot if it's just fuel pressure at the injectors. They would usually fire-up on the second or third try. Be sure to let the pump run the full two seconds. I think they still did that in 2001.

 

From a suggestion from a friend I did this. I cycled the key a few times before trying to start. Still doesn’t start right up. I have owned the truck for almost a yr. Put about 10k miles in it. I drive it everyday. I don’t see a fuel injector gumming up. This problem started a month or so ago.

 

What tests have you done to get clues about whether it is lack of spark or lack of fuel (the usual issues) that's causing the problem? Do you have spark on those initial key cranks after sitting? If you take out some spark plugs after the first 2-3 cranks are they wet and smelling like gas? Have you tried starter fluid to see if it fires up on that (i.e., it has spark but no fuel)? Run a compression test (something is causing it to have no compression after it sits)? Put noid lights on some injector plugs to determine if the ECM is "telling" them to fire (completing the circuit)? You could also try cranking it with the petal down a little bit. It should have an IAC that's letting air in at start and idle. If that's what's missing, opening the throttle body will let air in. If the issue is no fuel, I would try putting a fuel pressure guage on to see if the manifold come up to pressure on the first key turn. For a hefty deposit you can borrow tools like a fuel pressure guage, compression tester and noid lights from the chain parts stores.

I am not familiar with the 4.0. If you’re looking for someone who knows them well you should probably repost to the 4.0 OHV/SOHC forum.

 

The only thing I have done is change the fuel pump as suggested by a few people from another post that wasent getting much traffic. I figured try here to see if anyone has experienced the same problem. I don’t like spending money on parts that isn’t needed. I can pull a plug wire to make sure I am getting spark on the first start of the day. I did try slightly holding the gas pedal down ever so slightly on first crank and it starts, stumbles slightly for a few seconds but starts. I would assume that means I have spark on first start. I am going to pull the fuel filter in a few days and blow through it to make sure that is clear. You mention a starter noid. Don’t know what that is but I will look it up. Maybe I will pull the air intake tube and see if it starts without giving it gas.

 

A Noid light is for checking if the circuit for the injector is working. There are YouTube videos. The injectors pulse for such a short time you need to use a light to know if the circuit is pulsing. I would just check for wet spark plugs first. Just giving you food for thought.

I believe you’re not really adding any gas with your foot on the petal until it reaches idle rpm. The computer is controlling the injectors. But you are allowing air into the plenum. If it starts with the TB cracked open, I think the IAC is the problem. Check out some videos and posts on that part.

 

BTW, I’m not suggesting you go buy an IAC. I’m just suggesting you check if that’s not working right. People often remove them and clean the insides. They get gummed-up from the crankcase gasses.

 

You should probably try checking the fuel pressure. There is a Schrader valve at the rear of the passenger side fuel rail. Connect a fuel pressure check gauge there. Turn on the ignition and you should get fuel pressure. If it drops right away the check valve in your fuel pump is bad or has debris stuck in it. It could also be the pressure regulator in the fuel pump. If it holds pressure, your new fuel pump is good. I hope you changed the complete fuel assembly and not just the fuel pump to save a few dollars.

 

I replaced the complete fuel pump carrier. A drop in unit. No change with issue. Soihave to assume it’s not a fuel pump issue.

 

i pulled the AIC and cleaned it. Defiantly carboned up slightly. Also pulled the throttle body off and cleaned that. Problem still exists. If I push doen on the gas pedal slightly it does start quicker. Not sure if that is just letting air by the throttle plate or if it’s adding fuel which is helping. Was thinking of buying a new AIC as they are not expensive. Someone else said replace the tsp but I don’t see that being the issue. But again it’s enexpensive so I may swap that out as well