Notices
Modular V10 (6.8l)  

2003 F-250 starting problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 06:54 PM
  #1  
nightowler's Avatar
nightowler
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2003 F-250 starting problems

I have a 2003 F-250 V-10 with 13,000 miles. During the last three weeks I have had problems starting the truck on three occassions. Once was a cold start and the two other times the engine was warm. When I turn the ignition, the engine turns over quickly (plenty of power - not a battery issue) but it sounds like no gas is getting to the engine. I tried starting the truck several times but no luck. After 20 to 40 minutes the engine will start. I took it to the dealer and of course it always starts when there. They couldn't find a problem. Anybody have any ideas. To me it sounds like the fuel pump isn't getting gas to the engine, but what do I know. I originally thought it was an issue with the factory alarm. Any help is appreciated.

John
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 11:59 PM
  #2  
V10man's Avatar
V10man
Logistics Pro
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,957
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
Next time it does this, hold the gas pedal down slightly and see if it starts. If it does and keeps running as long as you have the pedal pressed(dies if you let up) then it is your IAC. (Idle Air Control valve)
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2005 | 10:49 AM
  #3  
nightowler's Avatar
nightowler
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Okay

Thanks V-10 man, I'll give it a shot.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2005 | 11:06 AM
  #4  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
Now THAT sounds like the IAC Right V10KLZZ71S?
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2005 | 09:07 PM
  #5  
nightowler's Avatar
nightowler
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Well it happened again. I tried holding down the gas pedal and it still did not turn over. After about twenty minutes the engine turned over and the truck started. This is a pain in the neck. It seems that the fuel pump is periodically shutting down for some unknown reason. Confused????
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2005 | 09:22 PM
  #6  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by nightowler
Well it happened again. I tried holding down the gas pedal and it still did not turn over. After about twenty minutes the engine turned over and the truck started. This is a pain in the neck. It seems that the fuel pump is periodically shutting down for some unknown reason. Confused????
Did you punch it to the floor, or did you push it only 1/2" or so?

The following is assuming it's the fuel pump not coming on - verify you have pressure (or not) at the fuel rail next time it doesn't start.

Check the fuel pump fuse, and relay. Then, start checking the wiring, especially the intertial cutoff switch. Last, and I wouldn't recommend this for the faint-of-heart, connect 12V directly to the pump and see if it'll run.

But then, you'll have to wait until it totally and completely dies before going to those lengths.

First things first. Reseat the fuel pump fuse and relay, if it does it again, change the fuel pump relay (whereever that is) ... I'll find out if you need. Then, if it's still doing it, and you find no pressure at the fuel rail when it won't start, fuel pump.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2005 | 10:20 PM
  #7  
Fredvon4's Avatar
Fredvon4
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 38
Club FTE Silver Member

Next time it fails to start after 5 seconds of cranking ...STOP. Turn off the key. release the hood latch.

Raise hood and look to the left front between the heater, A/C and the center of the motor and find a Schraeder valve pointing straight at you , sometimes with a green plastic cover protecting it.

A Schreaeder valve is exactly like the tire stem air valve.

DO NOT POKE any thing in this valve until you have some way to deflect the spray away from your EYES!

The valve is recessed so you will need the top of a pen or something to press in with.

If there is fuel and fuel pressure up to the fuel rail for the injectors this valve will pee gasoline. Just a quick momentary press will do. You will only get one of three effects:

1. Nothing

2 air hiss

3 Spray of Gasoline

If you get the spray your problem is not fuel pump or filter

Why an 03 with only 13K on the clock?

Any chance she sat a long time with empty fuel tank?

A water logged fuel filter will swell up and not flow very well.
 
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 12:49 PM
  #8  
nightowler's Avatar
nightowler
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice. My 250 is with the dealer right now, but when they return it to me stating we couldn't find a problem, (which they will inevitably do), I will try those pointers. Thanks for the advice. You guys really seem to know what your talking about. They could use your expertise at Person Ford in So Cal. I often wonder how well they know their way under the hood.
The reason for the low mileage on my 03 is due to long long hours at work. As much as I'd love to drive my truck everyday, I take advantage of my work car. Thanks again. I'll give you an update as soon as I have one.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

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

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 15, 2005 | 11:35 PM
  #9  
nightowler's Avatar
nightowler
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Problem Solved

I took my truck to the dealer and the third time was a charm. The dealer was able to duplicate the problem. They replaced the fuel pump and I have not had a problem since. I guess it was a faulty fuel pump.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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