This morning was the first time my 1995 auto 2.3 didn't want to start until about the fifth try. After that it was fine though and started several times without a problem. Any idea what this sounds like? Engine turned over fine, but just wouldn't start. Starter maybe?

 

starter might be starting to go..

 

Sounds like a starter problem.

 

Yeah that definitely happened to me when my starter was going out. Btw I heard if it strands you, try tapping it with a hammer or something to at least get you home.

 

Was the starter turning? If it was it's not a starter problem. If not I would clean all electrical terminals on the starter and batteries to make sure you have good conductivity. If you have to hit the starter with a hammer it is a last resort meaning you need a starter. And that only works when someone is turning the key and hitting at the same time

 

When you say it didn't want to start I am assuming it is cranking but not firing

 

x2, my 2.3, when it didn’t want to fire up would just need a few miscellaneous wires pushed around and then it would start.
I was told by a FORD Mech that it is bad connects and it happens more often than not on the 2.3s.

As stated above start cleaning… and add some anti-corrosion paste to all of the connections but not much.

 

change the spark plugs
might as well change the ignition wires if they are a few years old

( he stated that the engine turned over but would not fire )

 

Could be any of a bunch of things. Bad recommendation to change the plugs on just that much information.

Needs spark AND fuel....more likely something besides the plugs.

 

well if did not fire after 4 cranking attempts
but it then fired after the 5th attempt

then the spark plugs are the usual suspect

 

acually no. it almost sounds like the truc has no fuel pressure in the lines. try turning the key to the run position for a few seconds until ou hear the fuel pump shut off then try to start

 

Sorry about that fellas. I should have added that I had the spark plugs and wires replaced at 232,000 miles and I'm now at 240,000. I should also add that I just filled up Thursday afternoon and it didn't want to start for me for the second time now.

This time though it only took 3 turns to get her going and then everything was fine. I normally just pick up whichever part needs to be replaced and my buddy installs it for next to nothing, but he was in a pretty bad car accident last week in northern VA.

I called the local mechanic up the road who does our inspections and his assistant said that a new starter with labor for my '95 would be about $350-$400+ which I don't have at all right now as I'm still unemployed. Hell, I think the blue book value for the truck is only $400-$500 to begin with. Anyway, I'll keep you guys updated with how the Ranger holds out. Thanks for all of the input.

 

My next door neighbor has an F150 and he needs to do just that, turn the key, wait, start.
I borrowed it for a road trip and had to go through the same steps and it started OK. Try it it might be the problem.

I wish I new more about the electronics in these truck.


Is the engine turning over but just won’t start ?
If so then it isn’t the starter.
If isn’t turning over then it COULD be the starter.

What have you done to the truck just before and since you started having this problem ?

 

The engine turns over just fine, but doesn't start from time to time. The last thing I had done to the Ranger were the plugs/wires 8,000 miles ago like I mentioned before. I checked the contacts to the battery and both are clean.

 

IMHO… it is not the starter, so don’t do the $400 starter change unless there is no other alternative.
Also, it appears the starter electricals are working.
Next thing, have you tried the turn on the key and wait before starting method; could be the fuel pump.
After that I am not the one to say, but as I did say when my 95 2.3 did that I pushed on a lot of connectors and then the truck would start, never found out what happened, traded it in on My 03 EDGe.
Sorry I can’t go further.
ltr and good luck.

 

I haven't tried the "turn on the key and wait before starting method", but I'll make sure to give it a try next time I have this problem. I love the truck, but right now I just hope it will last until I find a decent job. I really need to trade her in for a newer used model 4WD Ranger or Taco.

The drop in gas mileage will kill me at first, but I need a true 4WD out here where we live. This past winter my Ranger was stranded for a month while my brother in law was out and about in his 4WD Taco in 3+ feet of snow.

 

My choice is the Ranger but the Taco is a good truck, would be my second pick.
4x is nice, looks good and yes will burn a little more gas.
Good Luck on keeping her alive for a while, try the start method ranger4.0 suggested.
Hope it works !

 

Thanks for the kind words Scrambler. I just turned in an application where I used to work buffing floors so hopefully I'll hear something back soon. You know, the more and more Tacos I see on the road the more I feel like jumping ship into Toyota land.

I hate to say that around here, but they just look extremely well built and I've always heard good things about their reliability and great MPG's even in the V6 models. I just can't get over the price tag older Tacos carry though. I came across a 95 4WD king cab model on the autotrader site yesterday that had almost 200,000 miles and the seller wanted $6,500 for her. Crazy thing is that he'll probably get that too.

 

I know what you mean, the 4 Door Taco is sweet.

 

Mpgomatic.com reviewed the 2009 Taco (auto/4.0 V6/4x4) and got 19/24 mpg which is just sick for a true 4x4. I've seen a few newer crew cab Tacos and those things are huge for a V6. Hell, I only get 22 highway out of my 2wd 2.3 Ranger and I baby the thing.

I'd probably just go with a regular king cab myself, but even used 05 models with 150,000+ miles go for around $15,000-$18,000 in my area. Toyota's resale values, especially on their pickups, is absolutely disturbing. Do they ever depreciate in value? That would really help me out in the future.

 

try replacing the fuel pump relay

 

it sounds like the fuel pump is losing its residue pressure after the truck is shut off.