Right V10KLZZ71S?
2003 F-250 starting problems
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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
John
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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)
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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????
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From: Long Island USA
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????
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.