Questions and Answers

Ford F-150 Intermittent Crank, No Start Q. I have a 1996 Ford F-150 with a 300 cid 6 cylinder, 5 speed transmission, fuel injected with cruise control, A/C and P/S. Occasionally it fails to start, once every 7 to 10 days. It cranks fine but fails to start. You can cycle the key three times and it starts immediately. I have had it to the local Ford dealer and he has been unable to diagnose.

He says the ECM does not register an error code. At one time we thought it was a weak fuel pump in the rear tank because it appeared to always be on that tank when it failed to start. Then it happened on the front tank. Also twice when traveling at highway speed the check engine light came on and the motor started to die but accelerating stopped the problem. Any ideas?

A. Sounds like this Technical Service Bulletin will fix you up.

Article No.: 97-9-5
Date: 04/28/97

Long Crank - Sticking Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve - Vehicles Built From 11/1/94 Through 3/30/96

Stall - After Starting When Engine Allowed To Soak From 1-4 Hours - Sticking Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve - Vehicles Built From 1/11/94 through 3/30/96

Ford:
1995-96 Contour, Crown Victoria, Escort, Taurus, Thunderbird
1996 Mustang

Lincoln-Mercury:
1995-96 Continental, Cougar, Grand Marquis, Mark Viii, Mystique, Sable, Town Car, Tracer

Light Truck:
1995-96 Aerostar, Bronco, Econoline, F-150-350 Series, Ranger, Windstar
1996 Explorer

ISSUE:
After a 1-4 hour engine soak time, long crank times and/or long crank to start followed by a stall may occur on some vehicles. No further stalling or rough idle will occur after the engine is running. The long crank and/or stall may be due to the Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve sticking.

ACTION:
Replace the AC Valve with a revised AC Valve if no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present.