i have a 2004 f150 5.4 . it wont turn over when the dash gets hot. sun visor seems to help some but when the outside ambient temp gets hot . well I get hot trying to get it just to turn over. once it turns over any , it will start right up.
I like this truck, but no one seems to be able to tell me what it might be.

help please.
whits end soon. *&%^*&^%$$###!!!!!!

 

Is it just that the starter won't work when the temp is hot, or are any other electrical issues occuring? Any clicking noises when the engine won't start?
The truck starts fine when it's cooler?

Things to check first; battery (clean & tight connections, and age/strength), starter relay, starter solenoid, look for any loose/corroded wires/plug connections in the engine area.

 

How many miles are on the truck? I'm with the electrical issues of the starting system like the first guy. Need to check connections and see how much amperage the starter is drawing. I doubt the timing could be off. I had an 88 f150 and when the timing chain started to go it would crank over against early compression. I think you have battery, alternator, starter or wiring issues. Can you watch the battery voltage on your truck while your starting it? Shouldnt go under 9.5 volts. You can take it to a shop or a place like auto zone and see how much the amp draw on the starter is or it may have a bad ground

 

it wont do anything when the outside temp gets hot. the red light blinks on the little light on top of the dash to the left of driver, you have to keep working with the key, if it ever bumps over it will crank just fine.
a reflective visor helped when it was cooler but not anymore.

 

I ask again, are any other electrical issues occuring? Radio works, lights work OK, etc? If the battery power is good and connections are OK;

It could be something as easy as the starter solenoid. Have some one tap on the starter with a tool handle (hammer or screw driver works) while you try to crank it.
Another possibility is the actual starter switch.

 

all electrical works ok.
its not the starter, its something computer related to the anti theift.

early morning it will turn over just fine.
once the sun comes up and shines through the windshield its not going to work.

 

What trim level is your truck? (FX, XLT, etc)
What makes you think it's "anti-theft" related? ...Have you tried another/second key?

Are there any codes present/stored?

This may or may not help, but at least addresses the PATS issue to some degree.

http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=1021

 

I had a problem once the truck would not start at all. Turned out there is a silencer key mounted under the steering wheel. When the key is removed the anti theft system kills the starter and the truck won't start at all or even try to turn over. When I found the key I unplugged it and plugged it back in and she started right up. I had no clue it was there and it must have got hit and slightly unplugged. Afterwards when I got home I searched for it and found out what it was and how it works. Ill try and find the link and post for you.

This is what the under dash key looks,

 

is going to be something with the anti theft system.
it has the little red light on top of the dash, if it stays on it will start, if its blinking forget it , its not going to even turn over.
sometimes it takes 10 min or longer in the hot sun working with the key. on off out in you name it , for no reason it will just decide to start.
there has to be a answer.

 

The link I attached previous says you may need a scanner to check it out. Ignition might not be recognizing the key[s].

...and I think [your truck] sent me a virus. My riding mower won't start! Lights work... I'm on another forum for that.