I have a 2007 F 150 with a 5.4 Triton with 52,000 miles. I bought this truck new. Just this winter it has started occasionally sputtering and blowing black smoke out the exhaust pipe when it is started. Sometimes it takes 2 tries to even start it. I don't know if this problem is related to cold weather or not but the problem just began and it is very cold here in the winter in PA.

Everything is original (with the exception of the air filter and oil filter). The warranty has expired and I really did not expect to have any problems yet since I paid a lot of money for this truck. It is driven daily and never sits for extended periods of time. I do not have any check engine lights or any other lights that come on when this happens.

I have searched on here for similiar issues and see that it is fairly common on the 5.4's but haven't seen any posts where it was on a truck that is only 3 years old. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Try replacing the fuel filter if its never been done. Fuel thickens in the cold if the filter is partly clogged thats when it can cause problems.

 

I would get the fuel injectors checked quickly. If they are leaking, it can cause major damage. The engine can hydrolock and break interally. Something is happening that is allowing too much fuel on start up.

Also, if it has not been changed, the fuel filter should be changed about every 20,000 miles. Don't think that is your problem, but it is service that should be done.

Welcome to the site!

 

I am having the same issue with my 07' I took it to the dealership when it first started happening. The dealership said they found nothing wrong and did not find any codes. Mine only dose it every once in a while, also I have noticed it dose it when I get in the truck and turn the key over real quick. So latley I have been turning the key to the start position, then wating a second then starting it and havent been having the problem.

 

Thats a clogged filter almost guaranteed. change your fuel filter. $10 if you get it ar walmart and do it yourself.

 

Thanks for the input. I am going to replace the fuel filter. I have a remote starter on this truck and sometimes this happens when I use it so I am wondering if it does have something to do with not having the key at the "start" position long enough. I also just usually turn the key without waiting. If these things do not work then I guess we will check the fuel injectors but I am hoping this is just a minor problem and not a major problem.