For the 3rd or 4th time (since I've owned my F-150), I tried to start my truck and something is going on. The engine turns, picks up like it's starting, and then dies. It's almost as if there's not enough gas to keep it running. When this happens, it takes a few attempts before the vehicle will start. This has only happened a few times over the past year, but when it does, it doesn't sound healthy. Anybody ever had this problem before? Any help is very much appreciated.

 

motor? mileage?
when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? and could you tell whether or not the pump was running? is it still under warranty?

 

It's a 2006 Lariat, 5.6 liter V8, 22,000 miles. I doubt the filter has never been replaced since it's so new. I think I have a few months left on the factory warranty but also have a 3 year extended warranty to work with. I'm hesitant to take it in since this happens so infrequently and will probably have a hard time replicating the issue.

 

Injectors possibly?

 

It's you post this, tonight I was gonna post my situation which is very similar. The first start in the morning, only the morning my truck likes to fire and die right away, then it fires right up. I haven't replaced the fuel filter since last summer I've been meaning to do it. Sometimes it'll catch and start but it likes to fart around, otherwise it runs and drives like normal.

 

try priming the fuel system each morning. see if that helps.

 

I would assume you mean 5.4L...but I would take it to the dealer and make them hear/feel the issue. That is the only way to get a stealership to work on stuff.

 

I'd put a fuel pressure gage on the fuel rail and try to start the truck and see what the pressure is during starting. May be a fuel issue ??

 

I had a similar symptom on my 2006 5.4L 3V just recently but the difference was it would happen at the gas station after I fill up with gas. It would start up but than sputter and stall. Took a few tries to start up again and was fine until I had to fill her up again (about a week later). Spoke with a few ford guys and narrowed it down to the evap system (part of the fuel system). The ford dealership had diagnostic tool that determined it was a evap valve that was stuck in the open position. After replacing it, it hasn't had the problem again. Hope that helps. If it is that, it cost just under $200 to repair.

 

Thanks for the replies. I have a call in to the dealer. I'll follow up with a post stating the problem.

 

I would clean the IAC and the MAF to start with.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Is this the black valve mounted on the drivers side on the firewall?

 

Not sure. I'll have to look into that.