96 F150 4.9 5speed 2wd

I've been having this problem with my truck for a couple months. So it seems to happen more when it's hot out. I step on the gas and it barely moves feels like I'm driving a semi-truck!! 1st gear..... 2nd.... 3rd... Finally starts to actually go... Now heres the catch! If I'm at a red light, I'll turn off the truck. Once its green ill start it up! And it goes like she was a brand new truck off the lot!! Then couple miles down she'll go back to the problem.. Now usually at night, weather cools down a bit and SOMETIMES she'll run fine. But you can seriously tell the difference! Help guys! Could it be a bad sensor? Fuel problem? Anything is helpful.

 

I'm not keen on your truck, but I'll throw my first thought at you.
Something in your ignition system, since heat expands things it could be a bad control module? The other thought would be a plugged up fuel filter, when was yours changed last? If you're handy that'd be a cheap easy dyi fix, and if it's been a long time it can't hurt either
Gene

 

After re-reading your post, I'm going to lean toward the fuel system, filter. If you shut it off and restart at a red light the pump isn't pushing the debris into the filter so when you re-start it gets good flow for a little bit. I'd start with the filter.

 

I just changed my fuel filter a few months ago.. Could this be the fuel pressure regulator? Another question. She has two fuel tanks. Does that mean there's two fuel filters or do they both run thru the same fuel filter?? I should probably know that by now, but I don't. Lol

 

Could be a plugged cat.

 

Just change it with a new Magnaflow cat and installed a Flowmaster 40 Series.

 

It seems to me that I recall an issue with the tank switching apparatus on those trucks. I don't recall exactly what the symptoms were though, perhaps a google search on dual tanks would yield some help?

I don't think there were two filters. I'm also not sure about a pressure regulator, Not up to speed on your particular truck.

I had a 93 Chevrolet that would loose power and stall when it was warm randomly. After replacing the fuel pump we figured that wasn't a problem. It turned out to be the control module in the ignition system. But that's a different system.

Do you have a Haynes or Chilton for your truck, they're worth the investment the first time you fix something yourself. I have a library of books from all of the vehicles I've owned, and every one is worth it's weight in gold.

 

One fuel filter on that system.
What you want to do is get yourself a fuel pressure gauge ($50 ?) which will allow you to see what's going on, pressure wise.
You will use it again .. and again. Good investment. Takes out a lot of guesswork.

 

Some parts stores will have a fuel pressure gauge in their loaner tool kit.

 

I had changed the front fuel pump when I had the same problems. Then about 6 months later, it start running rough again. I replaced the rear tank pump and now it's running great. I think it's a check valve in each pump that seems to cause some problems. I had one other symptom, fuel would seem to pump or flow from tank to tank causing a lot of pressure when opening the cap and sometimes fuel spew out.
I had 212,000 miles on the truck when this started happening.
I replaced with Motorcraft parts hoping they last another 200,000 miles.

 

I think this may have been the issue I remember hearing about, either way how about an update?

 

Just checking for any updates on your fuel issue? Since replacing both pumps my truck has been running great. Also, changing the fuel filter on continual basic seems to keep her running smooth.