Ford F-150 Not Starting: Troubleshooting the Ford F-150 Starting Issue

How To Diagnosis Ford F-150’s starting Problems ?

The diagnosis and steps for resolving starting problems in the F-150 can vary depending on the initial symptoms. If the engine is cranking but won’t turn over or if it’s not cranking at all, different steps and solutions may apply.

F-150 Cranking But the Engine Does Not Start

There are several potential reasons why a F150 may crank but not start. These include issues with the check engine indication, fuel line system, ignition system, security system, and sensor malfunctions.

In the following discussion, we will explore possible solutions for each of these scenarios when a F150’s engine is cranking but not starting.

1. Check Engine Indication

Diagnosis :

Turn the key to the ON position and check for the check engine light on the instrument cluster. If the check engine light illuminates and remains on, it could indicate a problem within the check engine circuit that might be preventing the engine from starting.

Troubleshooting :

If F150 is cranking but not starting due to check engine circuit issue, you may need to check the fuse which protecting the air to fuel and fuel injector circuit.

If there is an issue with the check engine, it is recommended to check the fuse that protects the air-to-fuel and fuel injector circuit. A blown or faulty fuse in this circuit can prevent the necessary electrical power from reaching the components involved in the air-to-fuel ratio and fuel injection process.

To locate the air-fuel ratio and fuel injector fuse in the F150 fuse box diagram, refer to the fuse box’s manual or the back cover of the fuse box itself. Look for the fuse designation that corresponds to these components.

Then, check the fuse for any signs of being blown, such as a broken link or use a multimeter to test it. If the fuse is indeed blown, it will need to be replaced to resolve any issues related to the air-fuel ratio and fuel injector.

2. Security Engine Immobilizer

Diagnosis :

To check for a possible issue with the security immobilizer mechanism, turn the key to the ON position and look for the Engine Immobilizer Indication on the instrument cluster. The immobilizer indication should come on briefly and then go off. If the key symbol appears and stays on, the engine may crank but not start due to the security immobilizer mechanism.

Troubleshooting :

The immobilizer issue in your F150 could be caused by a faulty sensor in the key or a faulty lockset antenna. It may also be due to a blown fuse in the security system.

To diagnose the issue, first try starting your Wagon with the second key. Often, the problem is caused by a faulty key sensor.

If the issue persists, check the fuse of the security circuit and see if it is blown. If it is blown, replace it.

If the issue still persists, it could be a problem with the lockset antenna or ECM. In this case, you should visit a service center for further assistance.

3. Fuel Supply

Diagnosis :

If F150 cranks or clicks but does not start, it could be due to a lack of fuel supply to the engine. To diagnose the problem, locate the fuel inlet line to the engine and open it. Then, crank the engine to check if fuel is coming out of the fuel line. If there is no fuel, there could be several reasons why fuel is not reaching the engine.

• Fuel Tank Level Low
• Fuel Pump Relay Malfunction
• Fuel Pump Fuse Blown
• Choke Inlet Fuel Filter
• Fuel Pump Malfunction.

Troubleshooting :

The troubleshooting of each problem is different and requires specific steps to identify and resolve.

Fuel Tank Level Low: If the car is cranking but not starting, it could be due to a low fuel level in the tank. Check the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster. Sometimes, even if the instrument cluster shows a high fuel level, there may be low fuel in the tank due to a malfunction in the fuel level sensing system. To confirm the fuel level, check it manually in the tank.

Fuel Pump Relay Malfunction : To diagnose a possible malfunction in the fuel pump relay, locate the fuel pump relay in the fuse and relay box. Replace it with a similar relay, such as the radiator fan or AC relay, and check if the engine starts. If the engine starts, then the problem is likely with the fuel pump relay and it should be replaced.

Fuel Pump Fuse Blown : It is possible that there is no power supply to the fuel pump due to a blown fuse. Locate the fuel pump fuse on the fuse diagram located at the back side of the fuse and relay box cover. If the fuse is found to be blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating.

Choke Inlet Fuel Pump Filter : The inlet fuel pump filter can become clogged due to low quality fuel, which can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. To check this, locate the fuel pump filter and inspect it for any signs of clogging or blockage. If it is dirty, clean it thoroughly or replace it with a new one.

Fuel Pump Malfunction : If all of the above checks have been performed and there are no issues found, then the problem may be with the fuel pump itself. We recommend taking the car to a workshop or service center to have the fuel pump checked and replaced if necessary.

4. Ignition System

Diagnosis:

The ignition system ignites the fuel in the cylinder and starts the engine. If there is no ignition due to several reasons, the F150 will crank or click but won’t start. There could be several reasons for no ignition, such as:

• Bad spark plug
• Blown ignition coil fuse

Troubleshooting :

Each problem requires different troubleshooting steps.

Bad Spark Plug : If the problem is caused by a bad spark plug, you can check the current at the spark plug end using a current tester while cranking the engine for each cylinder. If there is no current detected, it may be due to a bad spark plug. In this case, the spark plug should be replaced.

Blown Ignition Coil Fuse : If the ignition fuse is blown, there may be no supply to the ignition coil, and as a result, there will be no ignition at the spark plug. Check the ignition fuse from the fuse and relay box and replace it with a new one of the same amperage if it is blown.

5. Faulty Position Sensor

Diagnosis:

If the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor is faulty, it can cause misfiring and prevent the engine from starting. These sensors are responsible for sending signals to the Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine the timing of the spark in each cylinder. If either sensor is not functioning properly, the timing may be off and the engine may not start.

Troubleshooting :

To diagnose an engine that won’t start due to misfire, check for any loose or cut wiring of the camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor. If any issues are found, fix them and try starting the engine again. If the problem persists, the sensors may be faulty and need to be replaced.

F150 Not Cranking and Not Starting at All

If your F150 is not cranking or starting at all, the troubleshooting process is relatively simple.

The diagnosis and troubleshooting process may differ depending on the specific problem and the type of start system, whether it’s a push button start or a manual start.

1. Battery Cable Terminal

Diagnosis :

If your F150 is not cranking and not starting at all, a prime suspect is an electrical problem within the starting system. If there are carbon deposits on the battery terminal cables, it can prevent the electrical system from receiving power, leading to the car not cranking or starting at all.

Troubleshooting :

Ensuring that the battery terminals are clean and free from any corrosion deposits is crucial to maintaining a healthy electrical connection in your F150. If you find any corrosion on the battery terminals, it’s necessary to clean car battery terminal properly while following safety precautions. Cleaning the corrosion from the battery terminals can resolve starting issues caused by electrical disruptions, allowing your F150 to start smoothly.

2. Dead Battery

Diagnosis :

When your F150 unexpectedly refuses to start, the primary suspect is often the battery. Car batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-6 years. If your battery is approaching the end of its lifespan, it could be the cause of F150 not starting.

If the battery has reached the end of its lifespan, it is advised to replace it to avoid further issues.

How to Start F150 When Battery is Low :

If your F150 isn’t starting due to a low battery, it’s essential to take action promptly. You can get your F150 starting with a low battery by jump-starting it or using the bump-start method.

You can perform a bump start on the F150, but make sure there is someone in the driver’s seat to control the car.

Automatic transmissions do not have push-start capability, you can jump start the car with another vehicle’s battery, using jumper cables.

3. Faulty Alternator

Diagnosis :

If there is a fault in the alternator, it could lead to the Ford F150 not starting. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery, and if it fails to do so, the battery will not have enough power to start the vehicle.

There are several signs that your alternator may be malfunctioning :

• Dim or over bright lights
• Dead battery
• Red Battery warning light ON 
• Electric power fluctuates; features like power windows failing or flickering interior lights
• Whining noises coming from the alternator.

Troubleshooting :

If you suspect that the alternator is not functioning properly in your Ford F150, it is important to check the fuses and relays associated with the alternator before coming to the conclusion that it is faulty.

4. Starter Motor

Diagnosis :

If the battery is charged but the engine is not cranking, then there may be a problem with the starter.

However, a problem with the starter motor does not necessarily mean that the starter is faulty. It could be due to non-contact of carbon with the brush due to carbon wear off.

The problem may be due to starter motor malfunction of relay or fuse. Look for the starter motor relay and fuse and check its healthiness. If the starter motor relay or fuse is blown, replace it with a similar amp relay or fuse.

Check Starter Relay Location of Ford F150 here.

Troubleshooting :

Simply replacing the carbon can solve the issue, and it is a cost-effective solution. Therefore, it is advised to check the carbon before replacing the entire starter, as it can help save you money.

5. Dead Smart Key Battery

Diagnosis :

If the battery in the F150 smart key is low, the car may not start using the push button start.

Troubleshooting :

If the smart key battery is low, you can try holding the smart key closer to the push button or touching the push button with the smart key to start the car.

Replace the key battery as soon as possible.