I've noticed over the many years I've driven Fords that they crank for a few seconds before starting while Chevys seem to start as soon as the key is turned. Is there some reason why? Is it a design philosophy that Ford believes is better?

I've owned 2 Fords. a '67 which isn't relevant too this conversation, and a 2016 Explorer (6cyl) which we still own.

From my perspective, it starts right up. If I had to put a time on it, it'd be within 1/2 to 3/4 of a second in cranking time. Never has it taken longer than that. Certainly not seconds.

Thinking about it hearkens back to the olden days where the only thing I can think of is either low battery, poor timing, low fuel pressure, old spark plugs, or in need of a tune-up of the ol' carburetor if it has one, to cause slow start-up like you're talking about.

Modern fuel injected and variable timing vehicles shouldn't have long starts.

:Shrug:

IME, it's usually about as many cranks as there are cylinders. Typically holds true with my Explorer [4] & Expedition [6]. Every once in a while it'll crank an extra 1 or 2 times.

The next time you start cold turn the key on and wait till the fuel pump builds up pressure and stops. Then crank it.

My 2007 Ranger will crank forever before starting if i don't let it build up pressure first.

My Jeep does the same... since new... for 34 years now.

Two "excuses" pointed out to me by the dealer.

1) The engine computer doesn't activate the ignition unless/until the engine reaches 500 RPM.
Full power sent to the starter to get it turning over. Got a good battery in it? Odd, but apparently true, for the 87-89 models only, after which they switched to a Chrysler computer system.

2) The fuel pressure leaks down and the pump must re-pressurize the system.
They said to cycle the ignition switch to the "on" position and back off three times before cranking would help... No ain't doing that... just let her crank a second or two.

I just got used to it.

It's funny, but when Ford engines had carburetors, they would start almost instantly.

Now, I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee v8 that will take anywhere from 1/2 second to 10s to start.

I've changed:
Coil paks
spark plugs
injectors
cam timing sensor
idle air flow sensor
The ECM
Ignition cylinder
Ignition switch

Basically everything but the fuel pump. But it runs fine, just doesn't like to start.

No idea.

My 2020 4 cylinder turbo Ranger now headed to 40K miles, starts easily within "less than 2" seconds.

Hot or cold engine. Hot or cold weather. Also has that new style 'quickie start' modality for when you let the traffic light stop control the engine idle. I've seen some complaints about it, but mine works as intended.

Have a 2015 F150, previously a 2002 Lariat. Both start on turn of key same as my 2000 Dakota.

The quickest-starting engine I have ever seen is my brother's 1992 Dodge Ram with the Cummins diesel. Turn on the ignition for the intake heater (no glow plugs), turn the key, and as soon as the first piston comes up on compression, that thing is running. Having mechanical direct injection, every power stroke is essentially a detonation, and it sounds like it. With no electronics, a manual transmission, manual transfer case and Dana 60 axles front and rear, it is about as bulletproof a vehicle as you can find.

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
Now, I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee v8 that will take anywhere from 1/2 second to 10s to start.

I've changed:
Coil paks
spark plugs
injectors
cam timing sensor
idle air flow sensor
The ECM
Ignition cylinder
Ignition switch

Basically everything but the fuel pump. But it runs fine, just doesn't like to start.

No idea.

It might well be the fuel pump. But don't assume anything. Check the fuel pressure with a gauge. It should build up full pressure (~50 psi) with one key cycle and not bleed down excessively fast.

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:

1) The engine computer doesn't activate the ignition unless/until the engine reaches 500 RPM.

Bogus. It would never start then. A starter only cranks ~150 rpm.

Now we're in cold weather, my Maverick hybrid starts in ICE mode rather than electric and it's instant.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:

1) The engine computer doesn't activate the ignition unless/until the engine reaches 500 RPM.

Bogus. It would never start then. A starter only cranks ~150 rpm.

I was merely repeating what the Service Dept Manager told me at the largest Jeep dealer in the southeast in 1989 when I noted the slow starting of my then new Jeep that still does the exact same thing to this day.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
Now we're in cold weather, my Maverick hybrid starts in ICE mode rather than electric and it's instant.

Does the hybrid Mav use a traditional starter? Or an integrated starter/alternator/motor/thingy?

quote:

I was merely repeating what the Service Dept Manager told me

I know. But that doesn't make it any less bogus. Coming from a so-called professional makes it worse.

quote:

It might well be the fuel pump. But don't assume anything. Check the fuel pressure with a gauge. It should build up full pressure (~50 psi) with one key cycle and not bleed down excessively fast.

It's way more complicated than throwing parts at the problem. I was also t/s a stalling problem along with the slow start problem. I purchased the vehicle with 160k miles on it so much of it was just doing planned vehicle maintenance (coil paks, plugs, injectors) with the hopes it solved one or both of the problems.

Turned out it was the ECM causing the stalling. The ECM being the most expensive part and therefore the last to do. My guess is the wiring harness is causing problems with the ECM but I have no proof therefore I've not changed the wiring harness.

All of mine start right up...

then of course my wife's... you push a button on the dash and it just says you are ready to drive on the display.... it takes a while to get used to that.

But this does remind me that I want to try and reboot the computer in the Ford Flex.... seems this will fix the rear hatch not staying up and always closing.

Kind of like this past September the problem with the AWD transmission got fixed... complete brake change out fixed the transmission.... I'm not making this up.

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
Now, I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee v8 that will take anywhere from 1/2 second to 10s to start.

I've changed:
Coil paks
spark plugs
injectors
cam timing sensor
idle air flow sensor
The ECM
Ignition cylinder
Ignition switch

Basically everything but the fuel pump. But it runs fine, just doesn't like to start.

No idea.

Yea, that's strange. Hmmmm.

quote:

Originally posted by Mustang-PaPa:
The next time you start cold turn the key on and wait till the fuel pump builds up pressure and stops. Then crank it.

This often helps on FI engines and when so, just get in the habit of hesitating a few seconds before engaging the starter. I do this with my Kawasaki MULE. Fortunately my car and truck start almost instantly because it's a little more cumbersome to do with push button start.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:

quote:

Originally posted by Mustang-PaPa:
The next time you start cold turn the key on and wait till the fuel pump builds up pressure and stops. Then crank it.

This often helps on FI engines and when so, just get in the habit of hesitating a few seconds before engaging the starter. I do this with my Kawasaki MULE. Fortunately my car and truck start almost instantly because it's a little more cumbersome to do with push button start.

My dad does the same with his Mule.
But, this method doesn't work on push button start vehicles.
It's definitely something I'm looking forward to on my Midget, converting from a mechanical to electric pump. Priming the mechanical pump really puts a draw on the battery. It'll be nice to cycle the key, let it prime & start right up.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
Now we're in cold weather, my Maverick hybrid starts in ICE mode rather than electric and it's instant.

Does the hybrid Mav use a traditional starter? Or an integrated starter/alternator/motor/thingy?

Frankly, I don't know.