First of all, hello all, I'm new to these boards and figured I'd jump right in with a problem. I just bought a 2002 F-150 for my son, his first vehicle. It's a pretty basic, stock truck, 4.2 v-6, 5 sp. manual, 65000 miles, very clean though. The deal with it is, we bought it from a dealer that's about 35 miles from home. I drove it home, runs great, no problems at all. After we get it home, it won't start, just cranks and cranks. Strong battery. I called them back right away, they say bring it back, we'll look at it. I took the breather apart and a small shot of carb cleaner got her fired right up, hardly even a full key turn. That was Tuesday, got up Wednesday, fired up in the morning,drove it back to dealer and left it. They called Wednesday night, said they couldn't get it to duplicate our complaint. They said they would mess with it Thursday and call. Still no problems. I drive out to get it today, pick it up, fires right up. I asked them if I could drive it awhile around the area to see if I could make it act up. Sure enough, after driving for about 1/2 hr. it wouldn't start again. I call them and they sent a guy out, took about 45 minutes for him to get there. Damn, if he turned the key and it fired instantly.
At this point I'm at a loss, I look like an idiot to this guy, I'm sure. I drove it back to the dealer on the way home, and told them I was gonna go ahead and leave with it, cuz it started everytime there again. They actually said leave it, because they didn't want us to leave unknowing and unhappy. So here I am, I've got a few ideas on what it might be, but I figured I'd try to get some other input on what might be goin on.
A few more details, no service engine light stays on. All service lights come on and go off at start up. There's not quite a quarter tank of gas, single tank, fresh gas,I fueled it up. I've put 100 or so miles on it and it runs very well, idles nice.
Any ideas or suggestions are more than welcome.
Thanks, Mike

 

Change the fuel filter. Don't let the fuel get below 1/4.

 

X2 too glc - if the tank goes too low, the pump may pick up junk off the bottom of the tank. Also, you could potentially get condensation on the inside of your tank. <.. meaning, you could get water in your fuel.

Does the truck die while you are driving it or do stop, shut it off, restart it and it won't start?

 

This has the symtoms of a faulty fuel pump. They go intermittantly. Do you hear the pump hum (inside the gas tank) when it will not start? Be carefull as the pump will only go an for a few seconds when the key is turned, just enough to build pressure.

Do a search on this site for a bad fuel pump

Good luck with your problem

 

^.. Very true. Did not think of that. I've had that happen in my 95 Taurus, but the principal is the same.

 

A fuel pressure check with a gauge would help in troubleshooting.

 

Unbelieveable....the problem was in the theft deterent system. When we bought the truck, it came with 3 keys, I always used the same key when trying to start it, the mechanic at the dealer was using a different one of the three. Of course the one I was trying was not "chipped" and therefore, the system was not allowing it to start. It thought I was trying to steal it and shut off the fuel pump, so of course when we checked the fuel pressure at that time, there was none. I sat there like a moron watching the mechanic use each key, back and forth and watch the truck either crank endlessly or start right away. Needless to say we have 2 keys to the truck now.
The dash light for theft did flash with the unchipped key, but my hand was always on the steeringwheel blocking the darn thing while it was cranking away.
Just a bit of info to store away for future reference.
Thanks to all for the replies. And btw, she runs great and my son loves his new truck.
Mike

 

Keep the 3rd key around in case someone locks the keys in the truck. You can at least unlock the door with it.

If you want a 3rd PATS key, you can buy one and get it cut, then program it yourself if you have the 2 original keys. Procedure is in the owner's manual. If you don't have the manual, you can download it from Ford service.

 

Modern Technology strikes again Glad y'all got it figured out. Welcome to F150online