Greetings: I own a 2003 Ford Explorer Limited V6 4 Flex Fuel with around 142K miles. About 6 months ago, I notice my truck would have a hard start. (Hard as, it wont turn over. All the lights come on, the beeping, rev, rev, but wont catch). Once it does start, it can stall out, or tries to stall out (the stalling out is not consistent). If the weather outside is above 50 degrees, starts up no issues. The lower it gets the more turns it takes to get starter. Once it hits 32 outside, you can try for over 10 minutes. (Car is parked outside in TX). Runs great after it gets over it's issues (normally about a block lengeth). It will rev up on its own once it catches... I dont have a problem for the rest of the day, starting it up. Only basically when the engine is cold, as I would explain it.
Things done in the past 6 months. New Battery, New spark plugs and wires. New Fuel filter, New Fuel pump, Idle air control valve motor, new MAF sensor, and a Fuel/Induction cleaning. I have had it diagnosed twice by two different mechanics, both basically given up on the car (as in they said , It start fine this morning, had to hold the key longer, but it started, 1850 please, have a nice day).
I have paid for 3 different diagnostics. All say there is no vacuum leaks, power to the pump, everything reads fine.. I wanted to install a fuel pump relay, I was told they either work or they don't. Others say they want to change the starter, but can't explain to me why I don't have starter issues any other time. I got the car checked at an autoplace. Results: Good Battery: Voltage- 12.78V, Measured: 765 CCA. Rated: 700 CCA. Temperature: 91 Starter test: Voltage: 10.95 V, Amps: 186.9A, Time: 765mS. Charging system test: No Load: 14.18 V. Loaded: 14.02V No Load: 13.8A Loaded: 39.0A.. Drain test - .14A (My husband did forget to turn off a back fan while doing the test). One mechanic said my starter is dying and should start there.
I have read that My ford is famous for a Fuel Module going bad, but I guess it is not attached to the bumper, but is located behind the passenger side panel. Any suggestions on what it can be, and why? I really don't want to keep sinking money into this, but I need the car until I can get a steady paycheck to get a new one..
I do have a coolant leak somewhere in my system. I have asked different mechanics if this can be an issues. They all said no, its your starter.. Leak is where the upper and lower coolant housing is, and this is also where the temp sensor is located. there is white residue on top of it near where the rubber house attaches. But there is no white residue anywhere else on the engine. I do not see any rips, tears or cracks in the house. So I am not sure if it is just leaking because this part was already fixed once about 2 years ago. Thanks