I checked this post, but it doesn't seem to indicate much regarding my issue: weather causing power loss
But I have the following vehicle: Ford Ranger, 2003, 4.0 SOHC Engine
Often when the weather gets warm, the vehicle won't start. Usually it turns over for a few seconds the first time I go to start it. But then after two or three seconds it dies. The starter will turn just fine, and the battery is strong. The battery always has plenty to keep the starter turning.
The conditions are generally going from a 30-degree F night, to a 60-degree day. Today this happened, and those were the temperatures. It started fine in the morning, when it was about 45 degrees, but then it warmed up to about 59, and that's when this issue happened (like it has in the past).
Everytime, it starts again eventually. Each time it takes longer to wait until it will finally start properly. The first time, it idled roughly for a while, and then died. It started back up about 5 minutes later. Then 30 minutes another time. Then 4 hours another time.
Last time this happened, I had it towed in, but sadly it started right up when the mechanic got to it. They checked the fuel system and said that everything looked ok. They suggested that I change the spark plug wires (the plugs themselves are new and in good shape), as maybe one of the wires is arcing over the valve cover gasket.
Usually this also happens when there is less than 1/4 tank of gas, but last time, I had over 3/4 tank. I have changed the three spark plug wires on the driver's side, but haven't gotten to the other three (it's a complicated job, and I ran out of time).
Can anyone please suggest where I should troubleshoot? Should I change the fuel filter? Or change something else?
Update: Today the weather is in the 30s, and the truck started up perfectly. I waited four hours yesterday, while the weather was in the 50s, but no luck starting it. I bought a new coil and will install it soon.