I have been having an intermittent starting problem. About every other month the engine won't start. It will crank nice and strong but won't turn over, and there is no rhyme or reason to it. Hot or cold, before or after use, it's done it all types of times.

If I let it sit for a while, sometimes 20 minutes and sometimes days, it will start fine and work for a month or so. It has been very frustrating and I can't seem to narrow the problem down. I replaced the fuel filter about 8 months ago and have had no problems since then, so I thought that might be it, but it did it again yesterday. I drive the truck very little, 3k to 4k a year, and I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks.

1999 F150 4x4 5.4L 91,000 miles

 

Could it possibly be the altenator????

 

You might wanna change that fuel filter again . Also, you may be getting a little corrosion in one or more of your connectors branching from the harness - there suppose to be air tight . Check for bird nests and varmint shrapnel inside the engine compartment . A critter may have chewed on your wires - if bared it could temporarily ground causing this problem. Some things to look for .

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the ideas, I will check them out today, because here I am 3 days later and the truck still won't start. In the past it's always started again by now, which makes me think a fuel pump, but usually fuel pumps don't work intermittently, they just break.

Thanks again.

 

Easy way to tell if it's your pump - roll the drivers side window down, turn your key to run and you should here it charge the line . If not , find a friend that will turn the key while you get closer to the tank (fuel pumps in the tank)- You should be able to here it from the cab tho..

 

You may want to try changing your sparkplugs. Sounds like they could be carboned up.They may be getting gas soaked and it takes time for them to dry before it will fire again. Also try spraying the Mass air meter with electronic cleaner. I don't believe this is electrical in nature.

 

I've been having similiar symptoms. I dropped it off at the stealer and luckly it failed right there on the service drive They diagnosed it as a fuel pump.

2000 F150 2x4 5.4L 80k mi.