I have a 2002 F-150, 5 SPD, V-6, 120k miles. It seems like it gets no gas when starting out in any gear unless your doing 40mph down the highway and shift to 5th. Codes came up P0170 and p0172 I think, Lean mass Air flow sensor. Was told to replace the upper and lower manifold gaskets so I did with no relief. Also replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. My only options left are vacuum hoses and fuel pump. I'm taking it to a Ford dealer tomorrow. Tired of fighting the situatiuon, unless someone has a remedy.

 

Quick Update:

The fuel pressure was good.
I got it to do it a couple times again on longer drives but it wouldnt re-set the lean codes.

I had some extra time to kill, so I ran to the parts store and picked up some MAF sensor cleaner. I sprayed the living daylights out of both the MAF and the "other sensor" in the intake hose.

I didnt think that was going to be the problem because the symtom was so strange, but after two 70+ mile drives it seems to be cured...

Pretty sure it was going into Limp mode and thats what I was feeling.

Much happier now, hopfully it's fixed.
I'll let you guys know.

Thanks for all the help.
Eric

 

From all the discription it appears the motor is running out of fuel pressure.
This is also a LEAN condition that will cause the same codes.
A restart seemingly to clear the fault temporarly might be a bad fuel pump relay with burnt contacts.
By shutting off the motor, you call for the relay to start the pump for a very short time to prime the fuel rails, then again when to motor begins to rotate upon cranking.
I would sooner replace the relay than the pump as the first action.
Also it could be the crash sensor switch at the right side kick panel.
Of course a fuel pressure test will verify the lack of pressure for any reason.
Good luck.

 

If the problem pops up again, I'll try a pump relay.
The pressure was fine, but the problem was intermitant, so there was no way to check pressure AND get the problem to show it's head.

I have a few longer trips coming up next week, so we'll see...

Thanks

 

Welp... That was'nt it.

It started to happen a bit more often also, so I threw a fuel pump relay at it since it was a reasonably priced item. No change.

It's deffinitely a lack of fuel pressure feeling.

Next step was the dreded $200 fuel pump. I swapped it out and viola!
Few hundred miles so far and no signs of the issue.

I'm pretty confident it's actually fixed now.

Thanks for all the help guys.
Eric