I have a 1997 F150 4.6L 2wd that won't fire.

Asked by ZiggyzPaw Dec 10, 2016 at 01:53 PM about the 1997 Ford F-150 XLT Stepside SB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Battery is good. It'll try to fire with starter fluid (and backfire when I was overzealous with it!), but won't catch and run.  It has also been hesitating for the past few weeks, especially up inclines. Not sure if  they are related. Any thoughts as to why it won't start? I'm thinking fuel filter, or relays/fuses. I've found varying fuse / relay diagrams. Does anyone have any '97 F150 flaresides 4.6L V8 2wd specific diagrams? Thanks in advance! ~Frank~

2 Answers

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Changing the fuel filter is something which should be done regularly, so changing it now is not throwing money away, but I doubt it is your problem. My 99 V6 was experiencing the loss of power on inclines a while back. I cleaned and throttle body with the proper cleaner and removed and cleaned the Idle Air Control Valve and it corrected the problem. The cleaning procedure costs only the price of a can of throttle cleaner plus a little time with a wrench. If that does not correct the problem, begin checking fuel pressure, and fire to the cylinders. Resist the urge to throw expensive parts at it.

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