Won't start @ -50
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Won't start @ -50
Ford f150 2015 lariat 3.5L ecoboost will not start @ -50(with windchill), which part of engine do i heat to start it up? I have the block heater plugged but it still will not start. Tried boosting, limited to no access to heated garage where I am.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,461
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From: Calgary Canada
What's the real temperature? The truck may cool off faster in windy conditions but it doesn't get colder than the true temperature.
In very cold winter temps, battery performance is greatly reduced. If it's cranking over even a little bit slowly or slugishly, you want to either charge or boost the battery at least. If the battery is fully dead you need to remove it and let it warm up indoors first.
It's always possible the fuel is frozen if there was any water in it. That's tough to solve without warming things up, but it also wouldn't be my first guess.
Don't think a V8 would have any advantages for extreme cold starts over the smaller v6.
Where are you?
In very cold winter temps, battery performance is greatly reduced. If it's cranking over even a little bit slowly or slugishly, you want to either charge or boost the battery at least. If the battery is fully dead you need to remove it and let it warm up indoors first.
It's always possible the fuel is frozen if there was any water in it. That's tough to solve without warming things up, but it also wouldn't be my first guess.
Don't think a V8 would have any advantages for extreme cold starts over the smaller v6.
Where are you?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
Unfortunately we're going to need more details to be of assistance here.
Windchill is meaningless to anything but bare skin, the truck doesn't really care. What was the ambient temperature? Sounds really cold regardless, I feel for you guys up there!
Is the engine cranking over? Is it firing? What's the truck doing when you try and start?
Windchill is meaningless to anything but bare skin, the truck doesn't really care. What was the ambient temperature? Sounds really cold regardless, I feel for you guys up there!
Is the engine cranking over? Is it firing? What's the truck doing when you try and start?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
So it cranks well, but won't start. Next step would be to check for fuel pressure and spark, which isn't a task I'd want to do outdoors in those temperatures. Might be time for a tow to the shop.
Just FWIW, the 5.0L engine isn't any better for this kind of application. I've actually found direct-injected engines like your EcoBoost to start easier in the cold than port-injected engines like the 5.0L. Not that this helps you out at the moment.
Just FWIW, the 5.0L engine isn't any better for this kind of application. I've actually found direct-injected engines like your EcoBoost to start easier in the cold than port-injected engines like the 5.0L. Not that this helps you out at the moment.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I realize pond inlet is a small place, but this isn't something that's easy to help with over the internet. The fundamentals are the same as any gasoline engine. Someone up there must be able able to help?
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
+1 to what Tom is saying. Wind chill is meaningless in this instance; what's the actual temperature?
We're not getting enough information to know what might actually be the problem. You say it's cranking? That eliminates a lot of issues, so we are down to fuel/spark issues. First quick check is to verify you're getting spark, then fuel delivery. If you're not a shade tree mechanic, it's time to get one involved.
We're not getting enough information to know what might actually be the problem. You say it's cranking? That eliminates a lot of issues, so we are down to fuel/spark issues. First quick check is to verify you're getting spark, then fuel delivery. If you're not a shade tree mechanic, it's time to get one involved.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 484
Likes: 6
From: Alberta
Don't know if you have been keeping the tank full or at least over half full in winter. Moisture condenses and may form ice crystals and then cause a blockage somewhere in the fuel line / system.
Need gas line antifreeze. The stuff will be attracted to water and may help you. If not you will need to get your truck in a warm garage. If you get it going you may need to used the gas line antifreeze for a while. Always keep the tank over half full when you park it for the night if you can.
Saved my bacon in the Yukon once.
Need gas line antifreeze. The stuff will be attracted to water and may help you. If not you will need to get your truck in a warm garage. If you get it going you may need to used the gas line antifreeze for a while. Always keep the tank over half full when you park it for the night if you can.
Saved my bacon in the Yukon once.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,463
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From: Staten Island, NY
Since the engine is cranking and its not throwing any codes it would appear to be a fuel related problem. The more remote the area where you're operating, the more likely it is that your fuel supply is not the most pristine. The tanks at the location where you buy your gas are subject to the same condensation problems as your truck only on a much grander scale.
Gas line anti-freeze is your friend. I've spent winters in the north central part of the US and I used to buy it by the case.
Gas line anti-freeze is your friend. I've spent winters in the north central part of the US and I used to buy it by the case.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
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From: Near Salmon Arm BC
As many mentioned already, pour in some gas line antifreeze. Put trickle charger on the battery, just to get its juices flowing some. And when you do get to a parts store eventually, buy a battery blanket, and stick on oil pan heater.
Warming up the oil and battery does wonders in a cold climate.
Warming up the oil and battery does wonders in a cold climate.
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