Starting Issues
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Starting Issues
I have a 1998 Ford F-150 4wheel drive extra cab. I have been having starting issues with it. It will start fine in the morning. But if I go on a short trip, say to the store, and then try starting it again, it takes forever(5 minutes) to get it to start again. I heard from a friend, that the catalytic converter could be getting to hot, which in turn gets the starter hot which may cause it not to start. Anyways, any advice would be appreciated. Especially if these symptoms sound familiar. Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2013
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I have a 1998 Ford F-150 4wheel drive extra cab. I have been having starting issues with it. It will start fine in the morning. But if I go on a short trip, say to the store, and then try starting it again, it takes forever(5 minutes) to get it to start again. I heard from a friend, that the catalytic converter could be getting to hot, which in turn gets the starter hot which may cause it not to start. Anyways, any advice would be appreciated. Especially if these symptoms sound familiar. Thanks
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In reply to Spotty. The starter will crank but won't fire. It will just keep cranking. What's wierd is at times, but very rarely, it will start after about 5 minutes, like there was no starting problems to begin with. Would excessive heat on the starter cause it not to start? Thanks for any advice.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
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From: Minnesota
If the starter cranks, I would guess the issue is elsewhere. Does it have PATS? Try a second key if it does. Sounds like maybe a fuel issue. When it does that, turn the key off then turn it to the run position. Leave it there for 5 seconds and see if you hear the fuel pump energize. Also...when it does start does it run rough at first or is all smooth?
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Hotshot
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From: St Louis
The 1998 F150 does not have PATS.
If the engine cranks, there is nothing wrong with the starter (unless you manage to eventually burn it up).
That leaves at least one of the three mandatory elements for engine operation missing: Air, fuel, and spark.
To test for "air", crack the throttle 1/4 way. if it fires, the IAC is probably stuck shut.
To simultaneously test for fuel and spark, shoot a bit of starter fluid in the throttle body. Crank it and see if it fires.
If it fires and runs for just a few seconds on the starter fluid, your fuel supply is missing (pump, etc).
If it fails to fire, spark is missing. Check the fuses for the ignition circuit and for the PCM for beginning steps.
Because your symptoms are intermittent, the fuel pump is the strongest suspect. you can confirm this with a fuel pressure gauge.
If the engine cranks, there is nothing wrong with the starter (unless you manage to eventually burn it up).
That leaves at least one of the three mandatory elements for engine operation missing: Air, fuel, and spark.
To test for "air", crack the throttle 1/4 way. if it fires, the IAC is probably stuck shut.
To simultaneously test for fuel and spark, shoot a bit of starter fluid in the throttle body. Crank it and see if it fires.
If it fires and runs for just a few seconds on the starter fluid, your fuel supply is missing (pump, etc).
If it fails to fire, spark is missing. Check the fuses for the ignition circuit and for the PCM for beginning steps.
Because your symptoms are intermittent, the fuel pump is the strongest suspect. you can confirm this with a fuel pressure gauge.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
The 1998 F150 does not have PATS.
If the engine cranks, there is nothing wrong with the starter (unless you manage to eventually burn it up).
That leaves at least one of the three mandatory elements for engine operation missing: Air, fuel, and spark.
To test for "air", crack the throttle 1/4 way. if it fires, the IAC is probably stuck shut.
To simultaneously test for fuel and spark, shoot a bit of starter fluid in the throttle body. Crank it and see if it fires.
If it fires and runs for just a few seconds on the starter fluid, your fuel supply is missing (pump, etc).
If it fails to fire, spark is missing. Check the fuses for the ignition circuit and for the PCM for beginning steps.
Because your symptoms are intermittent, the fuel pump is the strongest suspect. you can confirm this with a fuel pressure gauge.
If the engine cranks, there is nothing wrong with the starter (unless you manage to eventually burn it up).
That leaves at least one of the three mandatory elements for engine operation missing: Air, fuel, and spark.
To test for "air", crack the throttle 1/4 way. if it fires, the IAC is probably stuck shut.
To simultaneously test for fuel and spark, shoot a bit of starter fluid in the throttle body. Crank it and see if it fires.
If it fires and runs for just a few seconds on the starter fluid, your fuel supply is missing (pump, etc).
If it fails to fire, spark is missing. Check the fuses for the ignition circuit and for the PCM for beginning steps.
Because your symptoms are intermittent, the fuel pump is the strongest suspect. you can confirm this with a fuel pressure gauge.
Will starting fluid harm the coating inside the throttle body?
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
Sounds like my truck a last year. It went on for about 6 months and I ended up changing my fuel pump after much debate. I was told it could not be that but it has not happened since. Be careful when taking off the filler tube. It is spendy to replace.
My truck would turn over but not start then start a minute later.
My truck would turn over but not start then start a minute later.
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