Intermittently, I have a problem starting (trouble starting, won't start) 2002 F-150. After driving several minutes, I shut off (turn off) engine, couple minutes later I try to start, it sputters for a couple seconds and then dies.

Will continue doing this until I wait about 15 minutes without trying to start. Then it starts right up normally. I believe I tried starting every minute or two the first time it happened and this went on for at least 20 minutes.

If I don't reset ignition after it dies, and try to start again, it just cranks and cranks. If I move ignition back to off (where I can get key out), it starts, then sputters and dies.

Had similar problem past winter in extreme cold. Only difference was I didn't have to wait 15 minutes, and it didn't start up at all (would just crank and crank). Would take anywhere from 5-20 times, waiting only about 30 secs to a minute or two between start attempts.

No check engine light.

2002 F-150 XLT 4x4 4.6L V8

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Jason

 

My F150 has done this for quite a while 2 years or more it is heavaly modifyed and I have blamed the custom tune although I believe it may have done this in stock trim. I have repalced some parts idle air t/p sensor dpfe sensor and aircharge sensor never had a code and never changed the problem seems as though if you clear the computer memory it is much better for a while and then just learns to do it again. I am just use to giving it a little gas when it stalls or about to stall I'll hold the gas pedal down until it starts and then keep a 1200 rpm idle for 15 to30 seconds with my foot and then when I let it idle down it will be fine. won't do it again untill next stop. It always appears to do it when the temp guage is at 1/8 to 1/4 when cold or normal operating temp (1/2 guage) it is perfict.

 

I have exactly this problem with my 2001 expedition 4x4 5.4L V8 that started a couple months ago and has happened 3 times. In my case it takes maybe 30-45 minutes for it to reset and then start as if nothing was wrong. During these episodes I've never had a CEL. I have ordered a code reader and will carry it so that when it won't start, I can check the monitors.

Anyone care to speculate? I'm thinking it's an issue with the PCM starting to flake out.

jeff

 

Sounds screwy to me. I would have to take a wild guess and say you very well may be right about the PCM. It looks to me it should trip a code out with that type of problem. The only other thing I would think it may be would be the IAC.

I'm confused too. LOL Good Luck!

 

The IAC is new (about 1 year old), so it's most likely not that.
Other possibilties I've read about:
1) PCM
2) beginning of fuel pump/module failure
3) trying to start the vehicle too fast before initial self-diagnostics/theft deterrence has completed.

I now try and turn the key on, wait for the theft light to come on and go off, then start the truck, making note of what's on/off. there might be some correlation when it won't start with what lights are on/off.

Best,
jeff

 

Problem turned out to be a bad fuel pump.

I learned that my habit of running fuel tank well below E several times was probably why the fuel pump quit working after 45,000 miles.

In fact, I figured out that I could go between 45-50 miles after the Low Fuel indicator light came on, before I ran out of gas.

Didn't realize that the fuel pump was kept cool by the fuel itself, and you should not go below 1/4 tank.

Guess I missed the day they discussed that in driver's Ed.

 

Did you just now find this out? I just realized how old this thread is.