Hard Start/Long Crank

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: An extended hard start/long crank condition may be caused by a loss of battery voltage on vehicle IGN START circuit (Blue/Black wire) during engine cranking. Ensure IGN START circuit is supplying battery voltage signal to PCM terminal No. 20 when ignition switch is in START position.

Check ignition system. See TEST JB: IGNITION MISFIRE UNDER LOAD under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check fuel delivery system. See TEST HC: FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check idle air control system. See TEST KE: IDLE AIR CONTROL SYSTEM under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check cooling system operation.
Check engine mechanical condition. Check compression, camshaft, valve train components, etc. Repair as necessary. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
Check for intermittent faults. See INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS .
Check for vacuum leaks.