I have a 2001 F-150 Crew Cab that when I start it up, it won't turn over. It wants to, but won't. This happened about 5 times last winter when it was really cold out. It seems like when it starts to get cold out, this starts to happen. The last couple of days it started out fine, but after driving it for about 10 miles, it wouldn't start up again. Then, after about 6 attempts, it started. Now, it is sitting in the front of my house and it wants to turn over, but it's not happening. I'm not sure what to look at first. Thank you for any help you might give me regarding this problem. By the way, it has 187, 000 miles on it. It has been an excellent vehicle except for this one problem

 

Does the check engine light go out while you are trying and it does not start?

 

Hi Hank, first of all, thank you for replying ))...The ckeck engine light does go out when I start the truck, Being a female, I am so sick and tired of getting ripped off. I have a son in the service and when he is around, he always helps me with everything. It doesn't happen all the time, but sometimes, so I am afraid to go to far in it. I hate to get rid of it since I have had it so long and it is in beautiful shape. So, any suggestions you might give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you )

 

If when you are cranking the engine and it refuses to start but the check engine lite goes out , then my next question is for as long as you have owned the truck has the fuel pump ever been replaced? They can be quite temperamental at times.

 

Hnak, the fuel pump has never been replaced......It was so weird because today it started right up, I drove it to the grocery store, and then when I went to leave it would not start again for quite a while. Then, it started up. Do you think that is probably what it is? Thank you for helping me with this issue, and then, if that is the problem, is it a hard job to do?

 

The fuel tank has to come down so access to the fuel pump is possible. Don't know if you have the equip to do this. Would suggest to get a few estimates and see just what they include for the cost. Some will replace only the pump itself and others may replace the entire fuel pump module. In my opinion it is better to use a dealer supplied fuel pump assy. The only problem there is they are not cheap. When you get the estimates ask if they will be using an aftermarket or Ford fuel pump assy.
A good shop with the right equip can see the performance of the fuel pump before actually replacing it. It requires a scope to do this. The diagnosis is more complete this way.

 

Hank, I went to a auto part store yesterday and told them my problem. I hvae know these people for 30 years. They told me to 1st change the fuel filter. I don't know whether that would help or not. Then, I forgot to tell them that sometimes I can hear the pump come on, and sometimes I don't. Being a female, I hate to take it to a dealershop because I have always been taken advantage of big time. I just don't know what to do at this point. If I knew for a fact that is what is is, I would take it. However, if not, they will just tell me they did it and charge me for it. Things like that happen to me all the time

 

There is a fuel pump relay and inertia switch that should be checked as part of diagnosing a possible fuel pump problem. Most shops will connect a pressure gauge and make their decision from there. If the vehicle does as you describe and everything is working OK then a pressure test might not be entirely reliable. Good technicians are a lot like good doctors in that they check thoroughly before operating. Unfortunately it takes a while to find a good shop with experienced techs and the equipment to diagnose thoroughly. You must know someone who can recommend a good shop from their experiences. You have aquired some knowledge from just reading the posts on this site and you will be more difficult to take advantage than if you had no knowledge of what is going on. Remember a second or third opinion never hurts.

 

Dear Hank, thank you for that information. Being 61 years old, I am an easy target with car repair problems. However, I appreciate all your help with my problem. I am currently looking for someone in my neighborhood to maybe come and check it out for me. But I'm glad for all the information you have given to me. Thank you so much and have a blessed day I'll let you know when I find out exactly what is wrong with it.

 

I'm sure you know that we learn something every day so don't be afraid to continue by reading the posts on this site and as you know the more we learn the harder it is to pull the wool over our eyes. Have a great day, and please tell your son we appreciate everything he is doing for all of us.