Hi all,

I'm new to the board! I've got a strange problem that I hope I can get some helpful input on.

Within the last 2 months, my F150 (120,000 miles - 5.4L) has begun having trouble starting - but only sometimes. By trouble starting I mean the engine turns over, sounds like it's about to start, then dies. I will then try to start it again, the engine will turn over for as long as I hold the key forward or until I give it some gas. It then starts, but reluctantly.

I've had the engine serviced within the past month as I thought a fresh set of spark plugs might do the trick. It hasn't. Problem: I can't replicate the starting issue nor can I predict when it will happen. Sometimes it starts like a dream and I can go for days without having an issue. The truck isn't throwing a code so my check engine light isn't coming on, i.e. Ford wouldn't be able to know what the issue is and my bringing it there would probably result in spending lots of money on them "guessing" what it is.

The best way I can describe it is like those movies where a car is stuck on the railroad tracks and won't start. After the driver (who won't get out of the car) yells "come on...come on!" and bangs on the steering wheel, the car finally starts...Has anyone had this issue?

Thanks guys!!!

Melissa
TXTruckChick

 

You need a new IAC - No big deal , it's just stuck shut. It's about 40-60 bucks.

 

IF the IAC is stuck closed, wouldn’t cracking the throttle allow it to start?

I’m not getting any engine codes – nothing related to IAC.

 

LOL - Yea, a broom handle works for me - Unfortunately, that doesn't always work.

Nah, you won't get any engine codes for the IAC - I believe there are some , but they usually never appear.

Does the the truck start fine after it's good and warmed up ? The 02 sensors relay info at that point instead of your IAC.

 

To be quite honest, the truck can be cold or warm and still have a starting issue. It hasn't seemed to matter. After I've had a starting issue and finally gotten it started on the second try (it's always the second try that does it, BTW), I've turned the truck off again and tried starting it - it starts right up.

Could it be a throttle body issue? It's almost similar to when my throttle body is cleaned - the first start is always rough and takes the key being held forward for a while before it starts. I don't know. I'm just guessing here...clearly.

 

Yea , that's your IAC . Change it out and you'll be fine.

If you choose , you can clean the TB , elbow and ports . That's descibed above on this page. Cleaning the MAF sensor never hurts either , but to solve the problem quickly , change the IAC.

 

Thanks for your help. I'll try that and will let you know how it does. It really would be great if the fix for this is so cheap!

 

Sounds good , yea , post back the out come . You'll be happy with it

 

I too agree it's the IAC, cleaning it will fix the issue but nothing beats replacing it. While it's there, might as well clean the rest as mentioned, the t-body etc, smooth sailing after than!!!