96 f150 can't stay cranked.
 

I'm clueless where to start. I've had it checked out and just know it's an electric issue as mechanics can't find a part that needs to be changed. If I keep my food lightly on the gas it'll run but if I let it idle it dies but cranks right back up no problem.

Probably the idle air control valve.

I had to turn up the idle so it would start. I tried starter fluid didn't help. So can you explain what that part does do I can understand.

The IAC opens to bypass air around the throttle plate so it can idle. It's computer operated. Which engine? You shouldn't be touching the idle screw.

Yeah I touched the idle screw to make it run other than that it would not crank. So, since it's computer operated should I attempt to fix myself?

Which engine, please?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...75119c6a42.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...10d9074d2d.jpg

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=942&jsn=942

EDIT: Have you scanned the OBD2 for codes?

i'm guessing that by crank, you mean fire over. Either idle air valve or throttle body. Maybe even timing? if that distributor got bumped she aint gonna go. Maybe the TFI module? Id start simpler, go to harbor freight and get a spark tester. make sure you got spark. Then grab a fuel pressure gauge and check for juice. inspect your throttle body and make sure its not all carboned up.

From there, get the motor set on TDC piston 1 and and check out where your rotor is pointing. use youtube to see what it should look like.

Yeah long time ago. It just said it was electrical but it wasn't clear on the exact issue.

The truck will run then suddenly the battery gauge drops and it'll come back up then repeat and die. It won't stay running.

try taking off your belt. Maybe the alternators got a rotating short. See if it stays running with the pulleys not spinning.

Check your starter solenoid on the fender. Make sure the 12v to the truck side has a good solid connection.
Shouldn’t really be a bad ground but maybe take a jumper cable and connect the negative terminal in the battery to something solid and safe in the motor.