Trouble starting 2005 Expedition in the cold...

[iKnowDJTim]

Hey everyone! My name is Tim. I'm new to your forum, but not new to the online world of cars as I am an active member of the Toyota Nation forums.

Recently my dad has been having some issues with his 2005 Expedition XLT, specifically during cold weather. It takes around 5-10 tries to get the vehicle started. We talked to our mechanic and tried bringing it in for him to demonstrate the issue, however by the time we get there, starting it is not an issue..

Has anyone-else on here experienced this problem before? Or does anyone have an idea of what the problem may be? I know many of you are very knowledgeable about ford SUVs and may be able to help us find a solution to this problem. Here's a video of us trying to start the Expedition: Trouble starting 2005 Ford Expedition in cold weather - YouTube

Thanks,
Tim

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

First off, welcome.

How many miles on it? Last tune up?
How old is the gas? Do you use additives to prevent the E10 glub? Fuel Filter change?
Any CELs?

One observation, virtaully anyway, I do not hear the fuel pump energizing, tough when camera is away from engine bay. If this is the case, once warmed up there might be enough fuel for easy restart, but overnight it bleeds down i.e. loss of fuel pressure.

Sure others will chime in. Let us know what you find.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

i have had same issue, intermittently. but most it ever took was 3 tries. dealer cant explain it either. goodluck

 

[Stoned06]

Most obvious places are fuel pump bleeding down as described earlier, fuel filter needs replacing (good for 30K miles), or fuel line freeze-up if there is water in your fuel.

 

[toms89]

Agree with the others. Fuel issue would be my first guess.

The colder it is the more fuel needed to start. Hot start requires less fuel.

With that said it could be a faulty engine temperature sensor or issue with the fuel system. (pump, regulator, filter, etc....)

Not that familiar with throttle by wire but you may try and give it just a bit of throttle while cranking to see if it helps. If it does minimum throttle may not be flowing enough air due to carbon buildup around the throttle plate?!

 

[ELVATO]

I'm guessing since it's an 05, it has the 3V 5.4L motor in it? If so, it should be electronically controlled throttle.

When's the last time the fuel filter was replaced? Check by the spare tire (on the frame) for the fuel pump module and check for corrosion. Should be a few threads on that.

Instead of cranking it that many times, try only turning the key from OFF to ON (not START), wait 3-5 seconds, turn to ACC, then to ON (wait 3-5 seconds), then to ACC, then to ON (wait 3-5 seconds), etc. The idea is to prime the pump (which it does as soon as you go to ON) a few times before actually trying to start the car. At the very least, it should save on starter wear.

Talking of priming the pump, do you hear the pump prime when you turn the key to ON? Easier with two ppl, have someone close the door and turn the key to ON (so you don't have to hear the stupid chime from having the door open), and have the other person stick their head around the rear driver side tire. You should hear the pump prime.

Here's a recent thread on a fuel pump module: Link