I'm not sure if this will help you, but I want to get this solution out there. My issue turned out to be the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor (CHT). Although I only got the error code P1289 once after many times of clearing the codes and driving more, that's the one that eventually lead me to this sensor. I learned through plenty of troubleshooting and searching that the dash cluster temp gauge gets it's signal from the coolant temp sensor on the thermostat housing. The computer gets it's signal from the CHT. My CHT was malfunctioning and was causing the engine to never start properly. It would take 10+ times to start it properly. The CHT sensor itself is a dealer only part. It was $23 dollars from a local Ford Dealer, in stock. When I got back to replace it, I snapped the old one off inside the head. No biggie, because there are about 3+ other tapped holes in the head to screw the new one into. I used a different hole and the engine started on the first shot. This was a really easy job because this was a E150 van and I have direct access to the back of the engine. I imagine it would be sort of a headache on a F150. I hope this helps somebody. I will repost with more details elsewhere so forgive the multiple posts, just trying to help others.