Hard starting

FRED SODERLUND

MEMBER
2001 FORD F-150
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
139,000 MILES

Engine will usually start with no problems for the first time, in garage.
Seems to run okay but when it is shut off for a half an hour or hour and try to restart the engine cranks over but does not fire. Shut key off and try again, cranks and may or may not fire. Sometimes it seems to be trying to fire and then will fire and start running. Not sure if giving it some gas when cranking but not starting helps it to fire.

Had FI cleaned, did not give problem when left at repair shop and mechanic drove it around, let it sit, drove again, no problem.

Got it back from shop and next day it did the same thing in the morning. Could outside temp, very cool, have something to do with issue?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yes, you hit it on the money it sounds like the engine coolant temperature sensor is going bad. When this sensor starts to go bad it will not create a trouble code.

Here are guides to help us see whats going on and to get the problem fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

If it is the coolant sensor which I do you we need to remove the intake manifold.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-intake-manifold-gasket

Check out the diagrams (below).

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken

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