Hard starting 2013

[jimjamie]

I turn the key, the starter engages, but it takes about four seconds for the engine to start. At that point the RPMs go to 2500 or so, then back down in 20 seconds or so. Only happens when the engine is cold, so it may be hard to figure out at the Ford dealer. One thread says fuel pump, or maybe a fuel filter. Any known, common issues?
2013 Limited, 60,000 miles. Extended warranty.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Welcome to the forum Jimjamie. It doesn't seem overly long for a cold engine. What shape is your battery in? Is it fully charged or is it starting to wear out? Mine will run at a higher idle when it first starts but then it drops back down to normal idle in a about 5-10 seconds

 

[jimjamie]

Maybe its 6 or 8 seconds, but it's a new situation and its not good. I bought the truck used in March, so I'm not sure about the battery. The starter does not seem to have trouble spinning the engine. Maybe the cold oil in pan needs extra power? But yes I will have the battery tested. Actually I have one of those heat generating a battery testers I'll try that, unless you think it could cause more harm than good. (not sure what happen to these high tech engine/electrical systems when the battery is disconnected) Or maybe there is no need to disconnect anything to test the battery?

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Maybe its 6 or 8 seconds, but it's a new situation and its not good. I bought the truck used in March, so I'm not sure about the battery. The starter does not seem to have trouble spinning the engine. Maybe the cold oil in pan needs extra power? But yes I will have the battery tested. Actually I have one of those heat generating a battery testers I'll try that, unless you think it could cause more harm than good. (not sure what happen to these high tech engine/electrical systems when the battery is disconnected) Or maybe there is no need to disconnect anything to test the battery?

I'd stop by one of the Auto Part stores and have them test the battery for you. Most will do it free because they want to sell you a battery or other parts. Generally when you disconnect the battery it just resets the computer like when you turn your computer off and on. It doesn't harm the system in anyway.

 

[jimjamie]

AutoZone tested the battery (good), starter (good), and alternator (good). They had a device similar to mine but digital. I'll bring it to the shop next week.

 

[Adieu]

Oil level / condition / incorrect type? Oil filter plugged up?

Coolant level / condition / leaks? Expy ECUs do some pretty odd things in response to cooling system issues

Throttle body mucked up maybe? Injector(s)? Plugs or coils?

....****** gas at your usual source maybe? Run a tank of the good stuff from a station you never use & pour some additive in for good measure?

 

[scobar]

If it is cranking at full tilt and just takes that long to start, there could be any number of things. Can you record the startup sequence?
Oil and coolant will not impact the starting condition unless oil is 0.
The throttle body is a good place to start, clean it with a quality TB cleaner. A faulty sensor here will cause issues starting, can even prevent from starting or even cranking.
The plugs should be OK at 60k miles.
How is the idle once it runs? If you try to rev on it when it's cold how smooth does it accel? Start it and try to rev it up to 4k. If it sputters you have a bad coil, and don't need a CEL for this...thanks Ford.
I would also try to clean the MAF using a quality MAF cleaner, especially if you use a filter which is not the stock paper element. These oiled filters will coat the wires in the MAF which can cause issues.
The fact it starts tells me the battery is fine.
The high rev condition to me screams TPS once it runs. Do this: turn your key forward, do not start. Slowly push gas pedal to floor all the way and let it spring back up. Do this 3 times, turn off key. Try to start. This should reset TPS.

I would CRC products for the TB and MAF. This issue sounds sensor-driven since it only occurs at colder temps.
Are you using an aftermarket air intake or filter?
Have you tried to reset the PCM?

 

[jimjamie]

The issue was a Mass Airflow sensor. $450 to fix. How long does it take to replace that sensor? Anyway it's been running fine since the fix of about two weeks ago.

 

[Adieu]

The issue was a Mass Airflow sensor. $450 to fix. How long does it take to replace that sensor? Anyway it's been running fine since the fix of about two weeks ago.

Wtf????

A maf takes 3 minutes to install. Undo 2 or 3 screws and 1 connector front and center of the engine bay.

See that black piping with a wiring connector sticking out of it right at the forefront under your hood? The MAF is the thingie in the black pipe that plugs into the connector

And ive just swapped a MAF on a diesel bimmer for $65, and that thing is both uncommon AND premium priced.....ford stuff aint.

 

[Adieu]

Real price (generic, hitachi cost 1.4x more, motorcraft 2x more):




As i mentioned, labor is literally negligible

 

[jimjamie]

I wonder how Ford justifies over two hours of labor for a 5 minute fix.

 

[DF5.4]

Any CEL when it's running?