Any Ford mechanics or wannabes that can help with a problem?

Yesterday I went out to start my 2001 Ford F150 and it would crank but not start. I figure the fuel pump is done so I spray some starting fluid into it to confirm this and it starts right up and runs a second and dies. So I hit the internet look at fuel pumps when I run across a thread about something to do with the remote locks/theft devices. I push the panic button on the key fob twice and it starts right up. Charge up the battery last night and go out again today and it starts right up but is running sluggish then clears. I run some errands with out any problems and then drive to the post office and go in to get a letter. Come out and it won't start again but it sounds a little different this time like it wants to but just can't. I sit for a minute hit the panic button on the fob and still nothing. I hit the unlock once and it starts right up.

So with all that it hasn't thrown a code, the theft light is not blinking rapidly, and the check engine light is not on. I thought maybe fuel filter but I have never heard of one acting the way it does when it's plugged. So something is shutting off the fuel pump but what?

I had a 99 f150 with the triton v8 it did the same crap it was the fuel pump on mine, it was very random would run great then just die, then after a while it would run great again. it never had a pattern just would work sometimes and not others.

Have your fuel pressure checked. It does sound like a fuel pump about ready to give out.

Nooooo I have a full tank of gas right now.

I will find a fuel test gauge and go from there.

Kinda odd that the fob has anything to do with it. Is your battery going bad? Sometimes if the battery is failing you will get too low of a voltage for the 12VDC motor to run at torque. If it is turning over slower than normal then it is the battery. If it still cranks normal then I would say that you are looking at a fuel pressure issue and there is an ignition lockout or something associated with it. If you are sure that it is not the battery I would change the fuel filter, then if that doesn't fix it then get a new fuel pump. That should solve your problem.

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Originally Posted by Lurch

Nooooo I have a full tank of gas right now.

I will find a fuel test gauge and go from there.

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If you lift the bed off the truck to get to the fuel tank, it is usually much easier to do. And you won't spill fuel or have to deal with an awkward sloshing tank.

search www.ford-trucks.com. They have a lot of good articles. If fixed a lot of issues on my own using that site.

Sounds like a fuel pump issue to me too. Keep a rubber mallet handy and next time it won't start thump the bottom of the fuel tank and see if it starts.

I throw in another vote for lifting or tilting the bed to do the pump.

Sounds odd, but with what you described, fuel pump failure sounds like what is happening. Fords can be fickle on setting codes. Misfire codes wont always set, unless you can get the vehicle up to hwy speeds, etc. With a fuel pump problem, it won't often throw a code at all. Just have to use a fuel pressure gauge to check. As others said, unless your bed is full of junk, just undo the filler neck, pull your tailgate, and undo the bolts. Either til the bed, or disconnect the electrical connector(s) by the tailgate, underneath, and remove the bed entirely. Two men can easily pick it up.

If you get it started and when it's running do you have to feather the gas to keep it running?Like if you come to a full stop does the engine die?
If it is that's the sign of the IAC-(idle air controler) craapping out.
But what I understand from your symptom it sounds like the fuel pump going.
Unless it's an aftermarket remote start thet has a short in it somewhere.

OK after a lot of research I went out this morning and went to start the truck. I just turned the key to the on position so I could hear the pump fire up. It did twice in a row then didn't. At that time I tried to start the truck and nothing. I let it sit for a second turned the key and the pump ran so I went to start the pump and everything was fine.

So I'm down to the pump or the relay.....

Replace them both. Pumps go out more often than the relays

Well got a pump and filter and went to pull the bed off. 5 bolts took 5 minutes the last one 2.5hrs. The nut broke off of the self holder thingy mabob, so after a million attempts with locking pliers and finally gave up and cut it off. Now I just need to lift the bed and finish it.

IMHO it sounds electrical. Probably a relay if your anti theft system is mucking with it.

Usually I prefer to go in order of minimum cost. Which in your case would have been the relay first. It is probably only a couple bucks, but maybe it is the pump and all will be well.

I just had to replace the manifold gasket on my jeep. What a bitch that was. I got it done in about 2 hours. I know what you are saying about that last damn bolt, I had one that took about 45 minutes just to get started back in. It kept trying to cross-thread.

Do your fuel filter while you're at it!