Slow start this morning

[lasuvidaboy]

This morning when I was starting my TBird, it took three attempts to start the engine. This is the first time in almost 9-years that the car did not start on the very first turn of the key. This morning the engine would turn over easily w/plenty of power (new dealer installed battery late last year) but would not start. After the third attempt, it started immediately. I drove to the gym and the car started as usual when I left the gym. The car had been sitting in the 60 degree garage for a day or so but that is not unusal. There were no unusual sounds from the car and it always gets a check-up/service at the dealer every 5000 miles. Anyone else have this happen?

[ChromeDome]

Re: Slow start this morning

This copied from a 2003 owners manual. Likely the same for your 2002.

Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to
purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same
key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these
objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These
objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a
momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the
engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on

the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Slow start this morning

Thanks for the response! I just removed a coded devise that was on my keyring.

[jerrym3]

Re: Slow start this morning

My car does this every now and then.

My car's in the garage with the keys in the console ashtray, "lock" off.

[DaiUyTed]

Re: Slow start this morning

My car does this every now and then.

My car's in the garage with the keys in the console ashtray, "lock" off.

Hmmm. Interesting. Where do you live? Do you have a dog?

Oh; New Joisey. Never mind.

[jerrym3]

Re: Slow start this morning

Dog?

Nope. Had to put our beagle to sleep about two years ago.

Slow starting doesn't happen a lot, but does seem to happen more when there are huge outside temperature changes, even though she's never outside overnight.

Garage is not heated, but it is under the house (bi-level/raised ranch). Stays fairly warm.

Car is not started every day.

Original battery.

[Tbyrdy]

Re: Slow start this morning

This morning when I was starting my TBird, it took three attempts to start the engine. This is the first time in almost 9-years that the car did not start on the very first turn of the key. This morning the engine would turn over easily w/plenty of power (new dealer installed battery late last year) but would not start. After the third attempt, it started immediately. I drove to the gym and the car started as usual when I left the gym. The car had been sitting in the 60 degree garage for a day or so but that is not unusal. There were no unusual sounds from the car and it always gets a check-up/service at the dealer every 5000 miles. Anyone else have this happen?

60 degrees in California! That's too cold for that car!

Ours does this from time to time; I think the gas could cause this.

Also, you may have dislodged some debris form the air filter that upset the MAF(Mass Air Flow) sensor. I think they should be cleaned regularly. It's easy and cheap to do, and there is a post on this website telling you how to do it.

And finally, the key thingy might do it...I didn't know about this because in my older age, I don't always entirely read the owners manuals anymore! More power to those who do!

[Tbyrdy]

Re: Slow start this morning

Dog?
Nope. Had to put our beagle to sleep about two years ago.
Slow starting doesn't happen a lot, but does seem to happen more when there are huge outside temperature changes, even though she's never outside overnight.
Garage is not heated, but it is under the house (bi-level/raised ranch). Stays fairly warm.
Car is not started every day.
Original battery.

Have you cleaned the MAF?

[jerrym3]

Re: Slow start this morning

Nope

The slow start every now and then hasn't bothered me, yet.

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Slow start this morning

60 degrees in California! That's too cold for that car!

Ours does this from time to time; I think the gas could cause this.

Also, you may have dislodged some debris form the air filter that upset the MAF(Mass Air Flow) sensor. I think they should be cleaned regularly. It's easy and cheap to do, and there is a post on this website telling you how to do it.

Thanks for the response. Well today the car completely died. I started it at the office to go to an appointment and it sputtered like it did with the COPS problem. I drove it for a few blocks to verify that it was the COPS (all 8 replaced last year) and it just sputtered and died. I had it flat-bedded to the dealer and my Ford rep said that it sounded like the fuel pump. If it is, the fuel pump it will cost over $800.00 to replace! Yikes-I spent over $3000.00 in repairs last year to keep the 'Bird on the road and now possibly another $800.00. I'll find out tomorrow what the problem is and hopefully it's not the fuel pump but something far less expensive. BTW, there was an '05 Bronze 'Bird in the service department having a new $3100.00 transmission installed. Love the car-hate the high cost to keep it on the road.

[Tbyrdy]

Re: Slow start this morning

Thanks for the response. Well today the car completely died. I started it at the office to go to an appointment and it sputtered like it did with the COPS problem. I drove it for a few blocks to verify that it was the COPS (all 8 replaced last year) and it just sputtered and died. I had it flat-bedded to the dealer and my Ford rep said that it sounded like the fuel pump. If it is, the fuel pump it will cost over $800.00 to replace! Yikes-I spent over $3000.00 in repairs last year to keep the 'Bird on the road and now possibly another $800.00. I'll find out tomorrow what the problem is and hopefully it's not the fuel pump but something far less expensive. BTW, there was an '05 Bronze 'Bird in the service department having a new $3100.00 transmission installed. Love the car-hate the high cost to keep it on the road.

Ouch!

Makes me think extended warranty is the way to go if you want to keep one of these cars for a long time...it is time to talk to Lou!

[Southern]

Re: Slow start this morning

Ouch!
Makes me think extended warranty is the way to go if you want to keep one of these cars for a long time...it is time to talk to Lou!

Wouldn't leave home without one....and I paid about double what Lou Charges.........

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Slow start this morning

Just picked the car up from my dealer. It turns out it was a fuse that controls the fuel pump motor. After going over the entire car, my regular mechanic (the only Ford mechanic who has worked on the car) traced the problem to a blown fuse. The cost $100.00-thank goodness!

[Southern]

Re: Slow start this morning

With all due respect, this doesn't sound right. Blown fuse on fuel pump=no start. Period. None of this starting on 3rd attempt, etc...........

[V8 Cat]

Re: Slow start this morning

this doesn't sound right. Blown fuse on fuel pump=no start. Period. None of this starting on 3rd attempt, etc...........

Southern, I agree with you. Now if it was a bad relay of some type it would make more sense.