Ford F150 intermittantly will turn over but not start

30

Asked by Sphinx59 Apr 26, 2019 at 11:14 AM about the 1989 Ford F-150

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My truck will usually start right up without any problem, but recently I'm having issues where about 20% of the time, when I turn the key, it will crank but not ignite. If I let it sit for an hour or two and go back to it, it will usually start right up. I keep getting stranded but I've taken it to a mechanic and in the shop it starts every time. I'm thinking it is probably a problem with the fuel filter, pump, or regulator but it may be an issue with the spark plugs. Does anyone have any experience with this and have an idea or where to start to look for an answer?

3 Answers

60

Check the fuel filter first, then the plugs, then I would also check your distributor and the contacts, if they are burnt out, it wont fire right

30

I replaced the ignition control module and the fuel filter because it was needing replacement hoping that would do the trick but I still have the problem. If the truck has sat a long time or has been running for a long time, it will start every time. It seems I only have this problem if when I start it, I only drive for a short time, stop it, and then try to start it again. Last Saturday it sat overnight and I started it to go to a local store. At the store I stopped it and went inside to shop for about 20-30 minutes. When I came back out, it wouldn't start. It seems the trouble is always when I run it for a short time and stop it and then try to start it again. Does this give anyone an idea on what to try next?

3 people found this helpful.
10

Mine does the same thing and now this morning, it turns over and will continue to do so but wont start. We always seem to get battery erosion on the terminals. We cleaned it last time and it was good. This morning looking at it, there is a lot of erosion but still doesnt make since.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 15,725 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $1,712.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,450
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,040
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,840
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Sierra 1500
128 Great Deals out of 6,854 listings starting at $3,975
Used Ford F-250
6 listings
Used Ford Ranger
15 Great Deals out of 1,439 listings starting at $2,888
Used Ford Mustang
49 Great Deals out of 1,268 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.