Rough Start

Samani · #1 10-11-2009, 06:10 PM

I have a Ford F150 6 cyl. Sometimes when I start it, runs rough and even kills the engine like it out of gas. All I do is swap tanks (to the back tank) it starts/runs just fine. If I try it on the front tank again and swap to the back before the engines kills it runs fine and after I get going I can swap back to the front tank like nothing happened. Any suggestions.
I hate to bring it in without a shot at it myself, the check engine light is on too. Thanks.

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glc · #2 10-12-2009, 02:10 AM

You need to read the DTC codes. A 1996 is OBD2, and Autozone will read them free. Go get them read, and then post the exact codes - they are 4 numbers preceded by a "P".

Samani · #3 10-17-2009, 07:36 PM

The error was P0171, engine running lean, the guy at the store said i should replace the air filter. I removed the cover it was clean, disconnected the battery to clear the error and that seam to work. Did that sound right. Oh and thanks for the autozone tip.

glc · #4 10-18-2009, 12:42 AM

Replace air filter for running lean? He does not know what he's talking about - you replace the FUEL filter if anything. You also check for vacuum leaks.

Then again, if you are having tank switching and fuel pump issues, that could trip a lean code, it makes sense.

Samani · #5 10-25-2009, 03:35 PM

Thanks, I did have a vacuum line that was cracked / broken. I started to change it and it fell a part. I replace 4 line total some with surface cracks. The line that fell a part was on the inside side of the that ever it’s connected to (sorry I have not idea what this is, it's connected between the air filter hose at the manifold). I cleared the code and will do a test run today. Thanks again.