I drive a 1994 F-150 XLT, with a 350 V8, 2 gas tanks, new battery, and approx 100K. Most of the time, this truck runs like a dream, but when the weather turns cloudy or rainy, it simply won't start. After a day or two of sun, it starts right up. I've replaced the battery, and had my mechanic replace the two O2 sensors (reported bad by the computer). No change, although the mechanic thoroughly sprayed the engine with water and it still started. Go figure.

It really seems that the problem is tied to humidity in the air. Invariably, cloudcover, or impending weather results in a truck that won't start. I welcome any and all suggestions for resolving this very irritating problem.

 

James sorry to hear about your starting problems. What does the truck do when you try and start it but it doesn't? Does it turn over or is it just dead when you hit the start position on the ignition. Mine started to act up and I thought it was the battery but it ended up being the starter solenoid. It wouldn't even turn over, hit the start position and nothing. Play with the positive wire on the battery and it would start right up. I wouldn't think humidity would have anything to do with a motor starting up or not.

Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean

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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, 3.55 LS, Superchip, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.

 

I had an old Ford Granada that did the same thing and it turned out that whenever it rained watere would leak down the fender well and then it would leak int to the Computer module back that had a couple of cracks in the seal on the back... when it dried out no problem ,,new computer fixed it

 

A bit of clarification. The truck will turn over every time I try to start. It just never gets to the point of starting right up. Today, I'm replacing the spark plug wires and distributor cap. Will see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll be back to the list! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to contribute to this discussion.

 

Hi James73505

I had the *exact* same problem with a 1994 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, and it was a failing crankshaft position sensor. It would start and run fine if it wasn't wet outside, but anytime it rained or we had high humidty, forget it! Very aggravating....

Had a heck of a time getting that one diagnosed, finally I just guessed at it and made the dealer install a new one under warranty, and voila, that took care of it!

This may or may not have anything to do with your problem, but it's worth a try.

Good luck!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

 

My Ranger did the same. Tried the dist cap spray stuff, no luck. Turns out it was the coil wire.

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17

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Could be condensation in the distributor cap. Next time it does it, pop the distributor cap off and dry the inside out - see if it starts.