problems starting

[geoffsgt]

Car starts every time I turn the key, but turns a little longer than it should before finally starting. Sounds rough too, like the starter turns for a second, then stops for a fraction, then goes again, stops, goes again, and it starts.

If I turn the key, turn it back before it has time to start, then immediately turn it to start again, it will start that 2nd time like a brand new car.

I was told I probably have a faulty PPR (or was it PRP) valve that was sticking. Anyone know what this is? I probably won't fix it right away unless its easier than I think it will be, but it sounded like this was something in the fuel tank, which I don't want to empty and drop right this minute.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[281cammer]

Gotta be fuel related. Could be the Fuel pressure rail sensor, or could be the fuel pump bleeding off at startup (not priming like it should). Or even possible cogged fuel filter no letting enough fuel psi through at startup

 

[mode101]

Just checking the posts for this exact thing. My 02 is doing this now.

I turn the key, and it just cranks. Sometimes it will sputter to life, most the time it takes a few tries.

Car has 60k on the clock, I changed the fuel filter about 30k miles. Was thinking about changing the fuel filter again and the plugs.. see if that helps

 

[BobHyatt]

fuel pump needs help. turning key on / off / on runs fuel pump twice pretty quickly.

If you hook up a fuel pressure guage to the rail, it probably won't get up to a reasonable pressure the first time you turn the key. Second time will see it jump to 40 and beyond as it should.

Time to replace it before it decides enough is enough and quits outright.

 

[geoffsgt]

So i need to replace the whole fuel pump? What are the failure possibilities here? Will it just not start one day or could it possibly die while driving?

 

[BobHyatt]

So i need to replace the whole fuel pump? What are the failure possibilities here? Will it just not start one day or could it possibly die while driving?

We see both. The electric motor is in the tank. Costs about a hundred bucks or so at a parts store. When the motor dies, you are done. In your case, it is a question of whether the pump itself is wearing, in which case it will just slowly get worse and worse, or whether the motor is beginning to get weak, in which case it can also just quit, on the road or parked...

It's not that hard of a job on a mustang. It is made easier if you don't fill it up just prior to replacing the pump. Once person can do it easily enough with a floor jack. Two makes it easier to balance the tank on the jack while re-installing the strap bolts...