Odd starting behavior, suggestions please.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 907
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From: Citrus Heights, CA
Odd starting behavior, suggestions please.
'01 F150 XLT S-Crew 2x4. 5.4 Modular.
Twice this week, I have attempted to start the truck and it just cranks, no start. Turn it off and on a few times, it eventually starts and runs fine.
The only symptom I can think of is that when I turn the key to the run position without my seat belts on, the reminder sounds to tell me that I'm being stupid and should engage my seat belts. If this happens, the truck starts. If the alarm does not sound, the truck does not start. Its hasn't happened often enough for me to develop a comprehensive list of symptoms.
Should I start looking at the ignition switch or somewhere else?
Twice this week, I have attempted to start the truck and it just cranks, no start. Turn it off and on a few times, it eventually starts and runs fine.
The only symptom I can think of is that when I turn the key to the run position without my seat belts on, the reminder sounds to tell me that I'm being stupid and should engage my seat belts. If this happens, the truck starts. If the alarm does not sound, the truck does not start. Its hasn't happened often enough for me to develop a comprehensive list of symptoms.
Should I start looking at the ignition switch or somewhere else?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Next time instead of cranking it right away try cycling the key from off to run a few times. If your fuel pump is slow to build pressure that may help.
If that makes no difference try holding the throttle open about half an inch and see what happens. If your IAC isn't working right that may help.
If that makes no difference try holding the throttle open about half an inch and see what happens. If your IAC isn't working right that may help.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
im with RAcer. have you changed the fuel filter ever? pump may also be weak, or small leakoff back to tank. turn key on 1/2 way and listen for fure pump to run for 2 seconds. shut key off, then turn on again and listen to pump. do this about 5 times, then crank and see if it starts.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 159
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If in fact the seatbelt alarm is related I would think you have an ignition switch problem. Sounds like the contacts are dirty and/or worn. Though I have nver experienced this in my own cars a few of my tech friends say it's pretty common. One of them insists that overloaded, heavy keyrings, continually bouncing the ignition key in the ignition switch can cause this. Let us know what you find 
