Need a little advice....My 02 Durango will not crank the first time it is started every day. If you drive it a little bit, it will crank with no problems. Once it sits for about an hour or more, it goes back to not cranking. I have tried giving it gas (to no avail), holding the key over until it cranks (usually works, but you can smell gas b/c it flooded), I've turned the key over to on, then off, then on several times listening to the fuel send (making sure it sounds like it is working properly). I have been told to change the fuel filter and that it is in the fuel tank. Does the entire fuel pump need to be replaced or just the filter? Do you think this will solve the cranking problem? Any advice would help. Gas mileage is suffering right now.

Thanks!

 

Miles? etc.
Fuel filter/ pump is in the tank.. If your going to do a filter and have high miles, i suggest replacing the pump aswell since its right there, no use having to drop the gas tank again. As well if not done within awhile, a good tune up always helps (Plugs/wires/cap/rotor) Durango's are known for acting up because of a dying battery so if yours is stock, or 4 or so years old, i'd recomend replacing it.

** as for the pump replacement that is just what i would do and it really isnt necessary with lower miles.

 

I assume by not cranking you mean not starting but other wise the motor turns over. I not then you're probably looking ata starter issue (not fuel).

But assuming you are talking not starting, I would start simple and get the battery/charge system checked. Pep Boys and similar stores usually do that stuff for free. If you smell fuel (flooding) and hear the pump cycling, I would not think is was a fuel problem. Almost sounds like the battery in the morning being on the weak side from draining overnight but getting enough of a charge after running to keep starting during the day. Then goes down again after it sits a while.

Side note: like 408 says, if you go in the tank, replace the pump while its down.

 

The same thing happened to me and it turned out to be the spark plugs needed changing.

 

If the engine turns over and just had to start first time then when it warms up it seem to start okay, I had the same problem with my 2001 durango. The dealer replace cps (crank position sensor) after that no problems, now it starts without long crank times.
Rick