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Ford Aerostar hard to start


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rmas1
New User

Apr 29, 2005, 8:06 PM

Post #1 of 3 (3768 views)
Ford Aerostar hard to start Sign In

I have a 97 Ford Aerostar cargo van. The van had been sitting for about 2 years, being started maybe once a month or once every couple months. The van had about 146K on it when I got it. It now has about 163K. It has always run very strong. The thing is, it is hard to start. I've noticed that if I turn the ignition on and off about 3 times, it starts right up. Each time you turn the key, you can hear the fuel pump. On about the 3rd time, it sounds as though the fuel pump "loads" up. At that point, it will start right up. If I start it within 5 minutes of turning it off, it will most of the time start imediately. If it has been off longer than that, I need to do the on and off to get it to start without turning it over and over. Seems to be a fuel pressure thing. I replaced the plugs, wires,and fuel filter. If anyone has any info on this problem,it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Sammy


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 30, 2005, 2:58 AM

Post #2 of 3 (3763 views)
Re: Ford Aerostar hard to start Sign In

If you can't hear the fuel pump build up pressure and shut off with key just turned to "run" before trying to start, it's a fuel pressure problem. Don't panic yet - that could be caused by a lot of things but this era Fords eat fuel pump relays for lunch!

Just throw it out for starters to rule that out. They don't cost much even from the dealers - like $5 bucks!

I don't know your exact veh but you can find the location (probably labeled) under hood or the owner's manual should tell you where it is by location. I would and do keep spares in my Ford cars as they happen so much. Same relay should fit for other items too. I bet that's it and too cheap not to try.

___________________________

PS: A veh that sat around a couple years probably has a lot of water in the bottom of the gas tank. Even though you've put some miles on it since, use the isopropyl formula water remover and some injector cleaner - but just a little at a time while it's running. The bottles will tell you to use lots - I don't agree, slow and steady - like half of what they say on the container or less a few times - then forget that for a year or more. Use sparingly on any car thereafter. Good luck,



rmas1
New User

Apr 30, 2005, 5:30 AM

Post #3 of 3 (3759 views)
Re: Ford Aerostar hard to start Sign In

Thanks for the reply.
You can hear the pump run each time the key is turned to run. It's just that it doesn't seem to load until about the 3rd time. I will try the relay and water remover.
Thanks again.
Sammy






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