My truck won't start. It's a 2001 F-150 long bed with the 4.6 engine and a little over 72,000 miles on it... I usually drive my car so I haven't tried to start it for over a month.The 59 series battery (the original) was on its last legs,so previous starts have needed a jump from my T-bird to get it started.
Today,after an afternoon of tries at jump starting it,I finally went and purchased a new BIGGER battery (the 65 series size).The bigger new battery is certainly turning the engine with ease,but it won't get to that next level and start. It felt like it wanted to start initially when I first attempted two days ago.

After a few attempts two days ago,I decided to check the schrader valve on the passenger side of the engine to make sure it at least had gas in the rail,so I pressed it with a small stick and a little gas gargled up.After adding four gallons of gas to the tank and attempting several times to start it again TODAY with no success,I checked the schrader valve once more to be sure and no gasoline -- NOTHING -- sprayed or bubbled up. Could that (gas related) be the problem,or is that normal after attempting to start an engine? If it is normal to be as dry as it was,what else could it be causing it not to turn over and start?

How would any of you try to start it,or where would you look for possible answers?

Thank you.

 

First thing to do is change the fuel filter. There should be about 30 psi at the Schrader.

 

Right , also -you can take a fuel pressure gauge and bleed the air from the system. Crank no more than 4 consecutive seconds,- or the PCM shuts the rail down (injectors) for a time.

Start with that and work from there. Check your inertia breaker , reset it if popped. While turning you key to run, listen for your fuel pump to charge the lines. Do you hear it ?

 

Jbrew,
Where is the inertia breaker on this model located if you know,and where is the best place to listen for the lines to be charged? Is it a clicking sound I'm listening for or what?

glc,
I believe I had the fuel filter changed during one of its last oil changes,but I'll check tomorrow through my receipts.Does one check the schrader with the engine "on"?

Thank you both.

Also,how often should one try to start a vehicle like my F150 which is only used now and then periodically?

 

The inertia switch is behind the passenger side kick panel. Push the red button on the top of it down.

Check the Schrader with the key on.

Best place to listen is open the gas cap and listen while someone else turns the key on. You should hear the fuel pump running for a second or two to charge up the lines. If it doesn't run, check fuses and relays.

I'd recommend you run it at least once a month, and when you do, take it out and drive it for 15 miles or so.

 

My moneys on the fuel pump. Seems like the 2001 are at the age now to really give them up (like mine did 6 months ago).

 

Very possible - especially if it's been run a lot with an almost empty tank.

 

Okay,I just checked the switch behind the passenger floor panel (It took a good mirror and flashlight to do it) and it's all the way down.I checked the schrader valve for gasoline with the key on this time,and yes,the gas returned as it gurgled out(Would that rule the pump out then?) once more.I tried starting it and it just won't turn over. Any suggestions from this point on?

...Where would the fuses and relays be for this problem exactly? Would fuses go out even though it's been dormant as it has been? Should I worry about this new battery with all the attempts since yesterday?

Thanks a bunch for everything guys.

 

No, you can't rule out the fuel pump until you put a pressure gauge on the Schrader. Note Brew's statement about bleeding the air out of the fuel system and the 4 second shutdown. You can use a noid light to see if an injector is actually firing.

 

Okay,glc,at the risk of sounding ignorant once more,what exactly is a "noid light" and are they relatively inexpensive?
At this point I'm leaning toward the problem being electrical,but that's just a wild guess.As I mentioned,the gas seems to be there.

...A few months ago,I went through the same thing.I placed the jumper cables on it from the T-bird and it just wouldn't start.After a few hours had transpired,I went out to close the hood and lock it up for the night,but I gave it one more shot,and viola,it kicked over and started.This time the break of its inactivity has been longer.That's the only difference.

How long should one wait to attempt it again after the four second shutdown,btw?

Thanks again.

 

So's mine, - since he doesn't know what one sounds like. I hear mine from inside the cab, always have.

 

http://www.noidlight.com/

 

Bad gas..... How long was the gasoline in the truck? Mixing crap with good stuff just ruins the good stuff. It doesn't make the crappy stuff better. If you are going to let it sit than the gasoline needs to be stabilized for it to keep.

 

Okay,I listened near (for what sound,I don't know?) and under the tank as I had someone turn the key on right before trying to turn the engine,and I didn't hear anything like a click or pump turning on or anything. ...Again,how do you guys explain the gas in the railing or schraeder valve if the pump IS the issue?

Thanks for the noid light link,GLC.Great link.

 

Leave the key in run, -crawl under the truck and bang on the tank- @ about center. Listen for the pump to kick in.