1997 - 2003 F-150

Truck won't start after sitting, need help

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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 09:42 AM
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Truck won't start after sitting, need help

Was out of town for 5-6 weeks and left the truck parked outside. I came back yesterday and tried to start the truck, but it won't fire. It seems to have plenty of juice and will turn over with ease, just wont start. Any ideas?

Truck is a 2002 with the 5.4
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 10:50 AM
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If it cranks but doesn't start, it's probably a fuel problem or ignition problem. Check the filters, gas gauge, ignition fuse, ignition relay, fuel pump. Turn the key to on while having your ear next to the fuel pump(may require 2 people or really really long arms) and see if the fuel pump primes. If not, that will cause it. If the fuel filters are clogged and it's not getting fuel, that will cause it. If there's no spark, that will cause it.

Also try banging on the fuel tank bottom with a rubber mallet while someone else is trying to start it....if it fires while banging then its the fuel pump....
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 11:47 AM
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Do you know the location of the fuel filters on a single cab?

I shot some starting fluid into the air filter while turning the key and it almost started. That point to more of a fuel problem or a spark problem?
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 11:48 AM
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From: Burleson/Athens/Brownsboro, TX
Originally Posted by JNC995
Do you know the location of the fuel filters on a single cab?

I shot some starting fluid into the air filter while turning the key and it almost started. That point to more of a fuel problem or a spark problem?
Fuel. The filter is on the inner frame rail under the driver.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 12:02 PM
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From: In the fast lane from LA to Tokyo...
Originally Posted by JNC995
Do you know the location of the fuel filters on a single cab?

I shot some starting fluid into the air filter while turning the key and it almost started. That point to more of a fuel problem or a spark problem?
Fuel problem if she's trying to fire on starting fluid....
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 12:03 PM
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Thanks. I really hope its the filter, bc having to drop the tank to replace a fuel pump is going to ruin my 3 days off.

Is one of those quick disconnect tools required on these trucks?
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 12:14 PM
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From: In the fast lane from LA to Tokyo...
Originally Posted by JNC995
Thanks. I really hope its the filter, bc having to drop the tank to replace a fuel pump is going to ruin my 3 days off.

Is one of those quick disconnect tools required on these trucks?
Yep...... https://www.f150online.com/tech/fuelfilter.html
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 03:30 PM
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Well narrowed it down to the fuel pump. Looks like it bit the dust on me. Called the local shop and got quoted $850 for a new one, that's not counting the tow there. FML

Is there any reason why it stopped working after sitting for 5 weeks? Anything I can do to bring it back to life, or is it pretty much done?
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 06:34 PM
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You can do it yourself in about 2 hours and for under $150. That quote for $850 is outrageous.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 06:40 PM
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From: In the fast lane from LA to Tokyo...
Originally Posted by toyz
you can do it yourself in about 2 hours and for under $150. That quote for $850 is outrageous.
x2!.....
 
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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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From: In the fast lane from LA to Tokyo...
It's not that bad to replace.....How to replace fuel pump
 
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