NO.4 HARD START/LONG CRANK/ERRATIC START/ERRATIC CRANK [AJ (3.0L Duratec)]


4	Hard start/long crank/erratic start/erratic crank
DESCRIPTION	• Starter cranks engine at normal speed but engine requires excessive cranking time before start. • Battery is in normal condition.
POSSIBLE CAUSE	• Spark leakage from high-tension leads • Vacuum leakage • Poor fuel quality • Starting system malfunction • Spark plug malfunction • Air leakage from intake-air system • Erratic signal from CKP sensor • Erratic signal from CMP sensor • Air cleaner restriction • IAC valve malfunction • PCV valve malfunction • Inadequate fuel pressure • Purge solenoid valve malfunction • MAF sensor contamination • Restriction in exhaust system • EGR valve malfunction Warning • The following troubleshooting flow chart contains the fuel system diagnosis and repair procedures. Read the following warnings before performing the fuel system services: - Fuel vapor is hazardous. It can easily ignite, causing serious injury and damage. Always keep sparks and flames away from fuel. - Fuel line spills and leakage are dangerous. Fuel can ignite and cause serious injuries or death and damage. Fuel can also irritate skin and eyes. To prevent this, always complete "BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION" and "AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION" described in this manual. (See BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].) (See AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)


STEP	INSPECTION	RESULTS	ACTION
1	• Inspect for following: - Vacuum leakage - Proper fuel quality (e.g. proper octane, contamination, winter/summer blend) - Loose bands on intake-air system - Cracks on intake-air system parts - Air cleaner restriction • Are all items okay?	Yes	Go to the next step.
1		No	Service as necessary. Repeat Step 1.
2	• Connect WDS or equivalent to DLC-2. • Turn key to ON. • Retrieve any DTCs. • Is "PASSED" displayed?	Yes	No DTC is displayed: • Go to the next step.
2		No	DTC is displayed: • Go to appropriate DTC test.
3	• Is engine overheating?	Yes	Go to flowchart "No.17 Cooling system concerns-Overheating".
3	• Is engine overheating?	No	Go to the next step.
4	• Inspect for cracks on high-tension leads • Is there any crack on high-tension leads?	Yes	Repair suspected high-tension lead.
4		No	Go to the next step.
5	• Inspect spark plug conditions. • Is spark plug wet, covered with carbon or grayish white?	Yes	Spark plug is wet or covered with carbon: • Inspect for fuel leakage from fuel injector. Spark plug is grayish white: • Inspect for clogged fuel injector.
5		No	Install spark plugs on original cylinders. Go to the next step.
6	• Visually inspect CKP sensor and teeth of crankshaft pulley. • Are CKP sensor and teeth of crankshaft pulley okay?	Yes	Go to the next step.
6		No	Replace malfunctioning part.
7	• Remove and shake PCV valve. • Does PCV valve rattle?	Yes	Go to the next step.
7	• Remove and shake PCV valve. • Does PCV valve rattle?	No	Replace PCV valve.
8	• Install fuel pressure gauge to fuel line. • Connect the WDS or equivalent to DLC-2. • Turn the fuel pump on using FP PID in output state control of datalogger function. • Is fuel line pressure connect? (See FUEL LINE PRESSURE INSPECTION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)	Yes	Go to the next step.
8		No	Zero or low: Inspect the fuel pump, IFS switch and fuel pump relay related circuit. Inspect for clogged fuel line. • If normal, replace the fuel pump unit. (See FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].) High: Replace the fuel pump unit. (See FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)
9	• Is fuel line pressure held after FP PID is turned to OFF?	Yes	Go to the next step.
9	• Is fuel line pressure held after FP PID is turned to OFF?	No	Inspect the fuel injector. (See FUEL INJECTOR INSPECTION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].) • If the fuel injector is normal, replace fuel pump unit. (See FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)
10	• Disconnect vacuum hose from purge solenoid valve and plug opening end of vacuum hose. • Attempt to start engine. • Is starting condition improved?	Yes	Inspect if purge solenoid valve sticks open.
10		No	Go to the next step.
11	• Inspect MAF sensor for contamination. • Is there any contamination?	Yes	Replace MAF sensor.
11		No	Go to the next step.
12	• Visually inspect the exhaust system part. • Is there any deformed exhaust system part?	Yes	Replace suspected part.
12		No	Go to the next step.
13	• Inspect engine condition while tapping EGR valve housing. • Does engine condition improve?	Yes	Replace EGR valve.
13		No	Go to the next step.
14	• Inspect starting system. (See STARTER INSPECTION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].) • Is starting system normal?	Yes	Inspect for loose connectors or poor terminal contact. • If okay, remove EGR valve and visually inspect for mechanically stuck EGR valve.
14		No	Repair or replace components as required.
15	• Verify test results. - If okay, return to diagnostic index to service any additional symptoms. - If malfunction remains, inspect related Service Information and perform repair or diagnosis. • If vehicle is repaired, troubleshooting completed. • If vehicle is not repaired or additional diagnostic information is not available, replace PCM.