Hesitant starting
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Hesitant starting
I have a '01 SD with a 5.4 whenever it gets cold, usually in the mid teens (before you guys in the tundra that we call Minnesota, Wisconson, New England, Canada, etc. say anything I know you consider that warm
) and sits overnight my truck will crank over like normal and attempt to fire like normal but shudders and spudders for a few seconds then dies. I'm wondering if the fuel pump doesn't kick-in fast enough allowing the engine to run out of fuel or is it something else. I don't get a check engine light, and my battery seems fine (just by the dash meter before turning the key). As I said it is only after sitting overnight when its cold. Always fires right up on the second try like everything's fine. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
) and sits overnight my truck will crank over like normal and attempt to fire like normal but shudders and spudders for a few seconds then dies. I'm wondering if the fuel pump doesn't kick-in fast enough allowing the engine to run out of fuel or is it something else. I don't get a check engine light, and my battery seems fine (just by the dash meter before turning the key). As I said it is only after sitting overnight when its cold. Always fires right up on the second try like everything's fine. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Under a rock in PA
I am getting this too. Truck starts, runs fine for about 5 seconds and then sputters, coughs, lights dim and it shuts off 50% of the time. No check engine light or anything. Starts right up after that, but i notice it has a hesitation now when you step on it to pull out fast. 2001 F250SD 5.4L. Other thing i notice is a gas smell from the front of the truck, i need to call the dealership tomorrow. This started all of a sudden and no clue why. I suspect there is a leak letting air into the gas lines/injectors/whatever otherwise i have no idea why you can smell gas. Also the exhaust seems to stink more then is did too, unless my cat converter is blocked up?
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99f350sd,
I was wondering how would you go about checking for a leaking injector. Also we recently had a warmer spell and the problem went away the entire time, if that has any clues that may help.
Hellrazor1,
Exactly what part of PA do you define as "under a rock?" I'm originally from western PA and a lot of places fit that description.
I was wondering how would you go about checking for a leaking injector. Also we recently had a warmer spell and the problem went away the entire time, if that has any clues that may help.
Hellrazor1,
Exactly what part of PA do you define as "under a rock?" I'm originally from western PA and a lot of places fit that description.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
I'm wondering if your idle air control is working...Next time it does it B4 it dies try the accel pedal see if you can keep it running..
As far as leaking injector Let me know on the other thing first if it doesn't do it warm then I don't think its an injector, I was thinkin out loud..
Dick
As far as leaking injector Let me know on the other thing first if it doesn't do it warm then I don't think its an injector, I was thinkin out loud..
Dick
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Under a rock in PA
phonebem, I am inbetween Reading and Allentown in east central PA.
99f350sd: Mine doesn't care what you do to it once its sputtering. When its sputtering and you hit the gas there is absolutely no change. I already tried dry gas, figured with how quick it started to do this maybe i got water in the tank, did not help. Once the truck is warm its starts fine, just a bit of hesitation when stepping on it to takeoff quickly. In the morning when it sits 12+ hours is when its a real problem.
99f350sd: Mine doesn't care what you do to it once its sputtering. When its sputtering and you hit the gas there is absolutely no change. I already tried dry gas, figured with how quick it started to do this maybe i got water in the tank, did not help. Once the truck is warm its starts fine, just a bit of hesitation when stepping on it to takeoff quickly. In the morning when it sits 12+ hours is when its a real problem.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Theres a check valve in the pump that keeps pressure in the system so after an evening you just hit it and your going. You could try this...On a morning that you think its gonna do it turn the key on and off about 5 times slowly and then try to start it.
The fuel pump should repressurize..
The fuel pump should repressurize..
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 210
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From: Ixonia, WI
Maybe try starting it with a bit of pressure on the pedal to see what happens, when my IAC went out it was very dificult to recover once it was sputtering. I would just start it with a little pedal and it would start fine. Just a thought, may be something a bit deeper like the check valve though. good luck
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From: Under a rock in PA
99f350sd, That doesn't do anything for it either. Damn electronics...
Brad99SD, i did that already. But once its in gear it doesn't matter how hard you stomp on the gas, its not ready to go until it decides it is.
I am going to stop at the dealership tomorrow and see what they say. Its progressively getting worse, hesitation is more noticable while driving now. Nothing like having a big v8, stomping on it when needed and it thinks its a politician.. lethargic.
Brad99SD, i did that already. But once its in gear it doesn't matter how hard you stomp on the gas, its not ready to go until it decides it is.
I am going to stop at the dealership tomorrow and see what they say. Its progressively getting worse, hesitation is more noticable while driving now. Nothing like having a big v8, stomping on it when needed and it thinks its a politician.. lethargic.
