Hey guys,

I have a 2005 F150 4x4 CrewCab Lariat (5.4L) which has been increasingly harder to crank.

I replaced the battery, the fuel filter and even ran a can a Seafoam through the fuel system via the gas tank. The alternator is putting out and the starter turns over just fine. Air filter is clean. Seems like a fuel/sensor issue, but I don't know where to start. Sometimes pumping the gas helps, but not always. In all cases, you can hear the starter turning over as fast as ever, and once the truck starts it doesn't stutter or run rough or anything. Not even when it first picks up.

There are no codes thrown. I have read about issues with the TPS, but I am experiencing no hesitations in acceleration, rough idle, or anything once it starts.

Any ideas? Thx!

 

Also, I have tried turning on ignition to bring the pressure up in the fuel line before starting... I hear the pump turn on for a second or two like it should, but this doesn't help the long crank.

 

Think I'm having the same problem

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-to-start.html

 

Hello,

I have a 4.6 (w/190k) and both times I had the symptoms you describe, fresh plugs solved my problems (110k & 180k)

Not sure where you are at with your plugs & miles, but it's worth a thought. Both times I changed my plugs, I ws ELATED not to have the 5.4

good luck -jim

 

It does seem like a similar issue. I have wondered about the plugs as well, but I would think that would cause the truck to exhibit some hesitation, rough idle, etc.

One thing I did notice yesterday, is that each time I have the long crank, the display that also shows the temperature, millage, etc. will flash "low oil pressure" right before it finally cranks, even though the oil pressure gauge reads normal.

I am at a loss...

 

I wonder if there is a low oil pressure sensor that has gone bad. Just a thought. Does anyone know? If you could find it, it would be easy to check out. Just pull the wire off and ground it. If the truck starts right up, there ya go.

 

Has anyone tried fuel filter?

 

Unless you're driving in the dusty desert without a gas gap, I doubt it's clogged. You're truck is too new. But for $13 and a half hour of your time, it wouldn't hurt to get a new Motorcraft filter.

 

I suspect something to do with ignition. I've only had my '07 for 9 months and my '90 never did anything like that BUT most of my car experience is with British MG's. My '68 B needed a 2 second crank to start. If it didn't catch right away I'd look into the distributor cap (literally look into it) and then start looking at plugs.
My '90 F150 developed a terrible misfire with plugs and wires that were only several thousand miles old. Parts fail for no reason it seems.

 

Thanks, that makes sense, gonna do filter anyway, but this problem is getting to me. Among others.

 

Are the plugs alright to change, any special tools, I have hard starting, rough idlling, occasionaly stalling, 2005 w/4.6 4x4 w/98k
Thanks. Sorry probably another thread all about it.

 

My plugs went south and I had the rough idle right at 97K in the Expo, replaced with Motorcraft plugs and it runs like new. It looks like the F-150 with the 4.6 would be easier to change the plugs then the 5.4 Expo.

 

Samething is happening to my truck.. Ford dealer told me it is the fuel pump.. Plugs new filter all the above have ... been done. i will be doing the FP very shortly.. ford wants 700 for part and labor... i think i'll do it meself.. there is a check valve in the pump that does not build up enough pressure.

Mark

 

I put in a new fuel filter but found myself needing to wait until the fuel gauge needle pops up before starting. I was wondering about the fuel pump, but I don't have any problems on hard acceleration.

It used to get in a habit of sputtering on the first start until I swapped out my plugs at 68K. Costco gas was consistently harder to start. Shell/Chevron always started easily.

With new plugs, it hardly cranks before kicking over these days.

 

Thanks, Keep me posted on your fuel pump, hope it helps.