Engine sputters on startup

Tiny
BRAD35
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 22,000 MILES
Occasionally my pickup truck on startup will sputter a few times and die. This happens randomly but almost always when the gas level is near half a tank or less. When it does happen I have found I can rock the truck a few times and it will start. When running, it runs smoothly during idle and during any kind of acceleration. This type event has never happened in my driveway on a cold start. It always happens after I have driven it a few miles.
Wednesday, July 29th, 2015 AT 12:19 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on when this happens? You mentioned if you rock it, it will start. What happens if you don't rock it?
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Wednesday, July 29th, 2015 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
BRAD35
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have not seen a check engine light come on. If I continue trying to start the engine it will continue to start, sputter. Sputter and die. Then if I rock the truck a few times it usually will start. If it doesn't, I have walked away from it for 15 minutes or so and it will start and run like nothing ever happened.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2015 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Okay. It sounds like there is a fuel issue. Either the sock at the bottom of the pump is partially plugged or even the fuel filter could be an issue. When this happens, I need you to check fuel pump pressure. I believe you will find it is weak. Do that and let me know what you find.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2015 AT 8:20 PM

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