This has happened 4 times now over 2 weeks. The engine will turn over but will not start till I press the gas pedal. I have to keep the engine running for a few seconds by hold the gas pedal steady.After it's running you can cut the engine off and it will start right back up. Thanks in advance for help on my problem.

 

Idle air control valve is either dirty or bad.

 

ok I will check/change. Thanks

 

I have a 2000 Ranger, 2.3 that just wouldn't start yesterday. I tried all the obvious...battery after attempting to jump would crank but not start. Castanette ticking in starter before I tapped it,now nothing, voltmeter says both batt and starer coil 12V
The curious thing is with the ignition, door dinger was only working after I jiggled key a bit.... I don't have but a gallon or so of gas in her but I don't think that could be it? Anything I may be missing? Please help

 

Welcome to FTE.

Did the no/hard start problem come about suddenly after some event, or slowly over time???

If the battery reads 12 volts, its only at a 50% soc, so check the cells to make sure they're covered with distilled water, then recharge the battery at a low rate of charge, like 6-10 amps, so its at a full charge, then try to start it again.

If still no joy, use your inductive timing light on any spark plug & your fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail schrader valve test port, to see whats going missing & let us know what you find.

 

It was the alternator! Thanks for the rec.'s So It's a silly question, but I was so cold removing the darn alternator I just unbolted the 3 bolts and hijacked it out of the belt. I've got the new alternator, ready to re-insall, and I want to make sure I do the right thing with that tensioner. Again, I know the good ol' days of crawling in there and fixing things are over, again..dark garage. Any rec's on steps to adjust tensioner...install the new Alt..and tension her back up?

Thanks

 

The serp belt has a self adjusting/spring loaded tensioner, so no need to adjust anything, just look on the tensioner casting after installing the belt, to make sure the molded in marks are within tension range.

Route the belt over all pulleys with walls, slip your 3/8 breaker bar into the molded in square drive hole in the tensioner & move it to relieve belt tension, Then slip the smooth back side of the belt over the wall less idler pulley last. Check to make sure the belt is properly centered on all pulleys & your finished.

 

Thank You again Pawpaw...I'm heading out to complete my task. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

She's purring like a kitten again! Thank you so much for the help!

 

OK, good find on the alternator, feedback & to hear you got things put right & are on the road again!!!!