Bought a used 99 F150 with 5.4. It had no known issues to previous owner. It ran great for me for 2 weeks, then decided not to start yesterday. Battery cranks it over at usual pace, and I checked the schraeder valve on the fuel rail, and it squirted out a little fuel after trying to start it. Neighbor says he could hear fuel pump priming. I checked the inertia switch, and it was fine. Service engine soon light remains on after trying to start it. Battery posts are clean, I checked fuel pump fuse, and it's fine. I don't know where else to go with this. My mechanical skills are pretty limited, so I'm guessing this is dealer-bound. What else should I / could I check? Don't have a code reader either, so I'm pretty much blind as to what the problem is. Thanks for any help you guys can lend. Jumpn
BTW, this is my second life on the board. I had a 2000 F150 from Sept. 99 to April of 2004. Strayed away from the crowd, but I'm back again now.

 

Mechanic coming out on Saturday to take a look. Suggestions? Thanks, Jump n

 

Any aftermarket devices (remote start, anti-theft, etc) installed?

Observe the THEFT light. Are you getting proper PATS prove-out (if so equipped)?

Check fuse F30 under the dash. If blown, you'll have no spark. Likely shorted RFI cap.

Crack the throttle 1/4 way. A stuck IAC valve can cause an engine to not fire.

Measure the fuel pressure. You need around 40 psi to supply the injectors. Insufficient pressure will keep it from starting.

Do you have supply power to both the injectors and the COPS when the ignition is in RUN and START? Check with a voltmeter.

 

My friend had a 97 with 5.4 and no start. It was the crank shaft position sensor that is down near front of the engine between the a/c compressor and the block.

Bought a new one at Checker and all was well.
I do not know how to diagnose to ensure that is the problem.

 

He said he didn't have a code read or scan tool, so I didn't go that far. I only gave him the easy-to-do stuff.

But, yes, absolutely, the crank sensor is also a suspect based on his stated symptoms.

Steve

 

Thanks, now I have some places to start. Jump n

 

Thanks guys!
Apparently had a loose connection at the crank postion sensor. I checked fuse 30, it was OK. Found the crank position sensor, wiggled it, then it turned over and fired right up. I'm going to try to adjust the pins so that the connection is tighter. Thanks a ton to everyone who replied.