Weird starting behavior

[Paladin0027]

Hey guys if anyone could shed some light on this situation it would be most appreciated. I had a 2002 GT 5 spd coupe and just recently bought a 2001 GT auto vert. Both seem to have the same behavior when starting, seems every 5th time or so that i start the engine it doesnt seem to ignite. It will turn over and start you just have to hold the key down for a second or two longer than normal. Sounds like a peice of crap when that happens. Any ways to remedy that?

 

[streethorse]

A weak or near death battery would be the first thing to rule out.
Then check the spark plug condition, If not motorcraft, replace.
And change out the fuel filter. Then go from there if it still isnt right.

 

[Black'02]

I think its a fairly common problem. I think people tend to see it more often when the engine is hot. Mine does the same thing and as of yet i haven't heard anyone give an actual cause/solution to the problem. I live with it, but it can be kind of embarassing sometimes.

 

[40oz]

turn the key on and leave it while you buckle your seat belt and get ready to drive. That lets the fuel pump run and pressure the sytetm before you try to turn it over. Mine rarely balks at starting, but I'd agree that it's only when hot that it ever does it. And it never takes more than a second turn on the first firing for it to start and run.

Obviously you don't remember having to let the starter turn the engine over ten or twenty times to start a car. Nobody thought you had a POS in that case. They were floored when your car started on the first or second spin every time. That was a sign of a well-tuned car. Having to turn the key a second time was only after holding it for a minute of failure. And that was not unusual on a cold day. A third time was normal for most people.