My truck's been having an occasional hard start, meaning the engine cranks strong but it fails to catch and then sputters. The 2nd start attempt usually fires up with no issues and then runs perfectly otherwise.

MPG's haven't changed, fuel filter was changed 15K ago. Air filter is clean. Plugs were changed about 10K ago. I always use Shell/Chevron gas. MAF sensor looked clean when I took it out so I didn't do anything to it.

This is starting to happen more frequently, maybe once every few weeks and I get a feeling it's the start of something. I've found myself waiting a few seconds for the fuel pressure gauge to come up before turning the key to start reliably. In the past, I could simply flick the key and it fires up the first time.

I see posts talking about the fuel pump module above the spare tire. What are symptoms of that going bad? Any pending codes that might be stored?

I'm about to get myself a scanner since I need one sooner or later. Anyone know which specific PID's to check while debugging this?

 

I would start with the easy solutions just in case you haven't and get the starter tested and the battery. I believe both can be done at Advance or Auto Zone so hopefully you have one near you.

 

I checked the battery and it's good. Starter cranks real strong and definitely nowhere sluggish. It feels like a fueling issue or lack of fuel pressure after the engine sat for a while...

I suspected the fuel pump, but I can floor it while on the road and there's no issues in picking up speed.

Is there supposed to be some residual fuel pressure in the line after engine-off? I'm thinking maybe a leaky checkvalve?

I'm avoiding throwing parts and $$ at it until I understand what's going on, since it can get rather expensive real quickly

 

What about the Fuel Pump Driver Module have you checked that out yet?

Its above the spare tire at the back of the truck and has an issue with corrosion. Its a real easy fix too should take less then an hour.

 

I just reread the first and saw where you asked about this I don't recall any codes for it its just something you have to crawl under and check out.

 

I've been having a similar issue lately. I just got my '05 Screw 5.4 a couple weeks ago. It's happened a couple times now where I've shut the truck off for about a half hour. I go to start it again and it sputters a little but doesn't start. I have to try and crank it 2 or 3 times and it will eventually start up and run fine. Previous owner said that it had new plugs put in about a year ago. I was going to replace fuel filter, clean MAF sensor, and run some Seafoam through the gas tank. I'll check the fuel pump driver module too to make sure it's clean. Anything else anyone can think of?

 

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