Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Initial Start up Problem!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 8, 2023 | 10:49 PM
  #1  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Initial Start up Problem!

1988 F-150 4.9 Liter 6 cylinder
When I turn the key to the run position, I can hear the fuel pump running. If the engine is already warm, then the fuel pump runs for just a couple seconds and I am able to start the engine and it runs without any problems. But, first thing in the morning, the engine won't start right away. The fuel pump keeps running for 4 to 5 minutes. The engine won't start until after those 5 minutes and the pump has stopped running. Once I get the engine running, there are no problems and it runs good all day. I can stop and start many times. I saw the following threads
Fuel pump runs constantly - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
97 F 350, 351 Fuel pump/pumps keep running. No start. - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Is my solution the same? Is it the PCM(computer) that is causing my problem? Or is it something else? My local mechanic replaced the fuel pressure regulator. It didn't help at all.
 

Last edited by rickrick; Nov 8, 2023 at 11:27 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2023 | 01:58 AM
  #2  
Truckwardo's Avatar
Truckwardo
More Turbo
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 607
Likes: 153
From: Canada
Have you replaced the electrolytic capacitors inside the kickwell computer?
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2023 | 04:58 AM
  #3  
manicmechanic007's Avatar
manicmechanic007
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,533
Likes: 2,660
From: Near Salt Lake City
Club FTE Silver Member

Yes, your processor is on the fritz
Capacitors or replace
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2023 | 11:25 AM
  #4  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Thank you, Truckwardo and manicmechanic007, for your posts and your conformation.
I will take the computer out of my truck and examine the capacitors.
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2023 | 01:31 PM
  #5  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Do not be surprised if there is only one capacitor. Early EFI trucks have only one. Even if it looks good the symptoms point to a failing computer.
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2023 | 03:35 PM
  #6  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Thank you, rla2005, I will probably replace the computer.
 
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2023 | 05:32 PM
  #7  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
I removed my truck's computer(Ford EEC IV). I found that all three electrolytic capacitors had been leaking. I saw this YouTube video
I am not as capable as that guy. I won't attempt to replace the capacitors. I am amazed that the truck was still running with all that circuit board damage. Also amazing is that when my truck was scanned, no error codes were emitted that described my computer problem. Here is a photo.

The capacitor that I pushed over only had one lead still attached.
Now, I will try to find the proper replacement. I inputted my details into napaonline.com and they listed several items. I just have to figure out which one to order. The price is about $225.

 

Last edited by rickrick; Nov 10, 2023 at 06:00 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2023 | 05:46 AM
  #8  
manicmechanic007's Avatar
manicmechanic007
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,533
Likes: 2,660
From: Near Salt Lake City
Club FTE Silver Member

Cardone makes reman replacements and also have new ones available in some cases.
I found a brand new one for van on Ebay for 275.
Mine was missing and just about died several times and was scary to drive around
Now runs great, I am able to solder the new caps in but went with the new one
Good luck
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 11, 2023 | 09:05 AM
  #9  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Thanks, manicmechanic007, I will post back here when I get the new one installed.
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 08:34 PM
  #10  
rickrick's Avatar
rickrick
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
I finally replaced my engine control module(computer). The truck starts right up. Thanks for the help.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ryanj_610
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 26, 2022 03:28 PM
chiefn10
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Aug 22, 2018 09:17 AM
01kingranchKY
2004 - 2008 F150
6
Oct 28, 2010 07:55 PM
Deadeye1445
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Sep 7, 2009 06:15 PM
StevenHolt
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Sep 26, 2004 08:54 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:49 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE