Rough starting on 1997 F150 4.2L
Hello all,
I'm new to this board, I just found it a couple days ago, but plan on hanging out here more now that I'm a F150 owner. I have a question I hope somebody can answer.
Just last week I purchased a 1997 F150 XL with 4sp OD Auto tranny and 4.2L V6. The truck only has 38,000 miles on it, and appears to be in great shape. The only problem I have is rough starting. The truck always starts, and idles and runs very smooth. It's just the first second when the engine fires while the starter is engaged it really feels like it's shaking the truck hard. It's kind of hard to describe, but it's like the motor jumps hard when it first fires. It seems to be worse when the A/C is left on, but also does it when all the climate controls are off.
Any suggestions on what to look at? I'm really enjoying this truck, but it makes me a bit uneasy every time I have to start it.
Thanks for all your time!
I'm new to this board, I just found it a couple days ago, but plan on hanging out here more now that I'm a F150 owner. I have a question I hope somebody can answer.
Just last week I purchased a 1997 F150 XL with 4sp OD Auto tranny and 4.2L V6. The truck only has 38,000 miles on it, and appears to be in great shape. The only problem I have is rough starting. The truck always starts, and idles and runs very smooth. It's just the first second when the engine fires while the starter is engaged it really feels like it's shaking the truck hard. It's kind of hard to describe, but it's like the motor jumps hard when it first fires. It seems to be worse when the A/C is left on, but also does it when all the climate controls are off.
Any suggestions on what to look at? I'm really enjoying this truck, but it makes me a bit uneasy every time I have to start it.
Thanks for all your time!
Last edited by Fairlane; Aug 19, 2002 at 02:52 AM.
Same here man
I'm gettin the same thing from my 97 sixer. It has problems at times starting, and I always turn the A/C and climate stuff off either before or after shutdown. Mine jumps real hard, sometimes.
Thanks guys for the info, I'll do some more searching on the O2 sensor to see it that could be the problem. Sounds like it's a somewhat common problem.
Today as I was driving the truck down the road, the windshield wipers just suddenly came on for a minute or so, then shut off again (and I didn't touch the wiper switch). hehe Looks like I have a couple things to fix now!
Today as I was driving the truck down the road, the windshield wipers just suddenly came on for a minute or so, then shut off again (and I didn't touch the wiper switch). hehe Looks like I have a couple things to fix now!
My '97 does the same exact thing. Wish we could find a fix. O2 sensors are becomming a common replacement item (normal) as these trucks accumulate lots of miles but I'm pretty sure even bad O2 sensors wouldn't cause a problem at cold start up. Almost seems like a low fuel pressure issue but I'm just guessing now. If anyone has a good idea please post!


