Ok first of all I understand the search function and utilized it last night for a few hours with no luck so I will explain my issue.

1996 f150 xlt 4x4 5.0 with AC and dual tanks (I only use front tank as I was told when I bought the truck rear tank leaked)

Ok having said all that I will describe whats going on. my truck seems to have a mind of its own it typically starts hard after it has sat for a day, it may stall as I am going down the road simply act like it is no longer getting fuel then after it has sat for 20-30 minutes start right up again. I can hear the F/P kick on I can hear the relay click I changed the filter thinking that was the issue. My reasoning was it seemed as if fuel was being reduced. now that I have replaced filter I am still having the same problem. some times I can go out and fire it right up then some times it simply refuses to start (this happens at full half and 1/4 not sure if that has any bearing. fuel tank switch still works and I can hear the back pump kick on as well.

if this is a common issue and I am missing something simple please get on and tell me I am knucklehead and that everyone who drives a 1996 f150 knows that you have to ---- to get it right

HELP!

 

do you hear the pump running when cranking and it's hard starting?

I'd check fuel pressure cranking and also check spark.

 

I'm not a tech or very mechanically inclined, so keep that in mind. FWIW, I had an '88 Olds that did the same thing you described... I'd be cruising down the freeway just fine, then the engine would die without warning, and now I'm coasting and looking for a place to pull-over... sometimes it would start again, sometimes not, and I'd have to let it sit. It was a pain-in-the...

Turned out to be a "magnetic pickup assembly", some kind of sensor that had to do with ignition timing. If the sensor went flaky, the ECM had no idea how fast the engine was spinning, and the engine would stop. Since our Ford's use mechanical distributors, I don't know if they use a similar setup, but I'm sure others here can answer that.

 

they use the same basic stuff....

 

I had the same issue with my 88. I could drive to the gas station, put 20 in and it wouldn't start. Other times going down the highway it would just die out of no where. I ran a good amount of seafoam thru the tanks and changed the filter and I haven't had a problem since. I know you changed the filter but it might just need a good cleaning.

 

I can hear the fuel pump when it cranks it seems like it builds pressure then stops running

 

fuel pump will run while cranking. If it doesn't start after a pre-determined amount of time it shuts off until next cranking.

It will also run for a few seconds when you turn the key on to prime the system but then shuts off if it isnt cranked...

 

Check the pickup sensor in your distributor...

 

codes pulled p0320 p0443 p0141 p0401

 

Just bought a similar truck. '95. Similar problem. I can get up to cruising speed (55) until it starts to cough and sputter and I dont wanna go no faster. Changed drivelines but not axle shafts yet. Thought it was a shimmy, now think it has an oxygen/fuel/filter problem. Guessing, but have yet to draw codes from truck. Theories and/or experience appreciated.


Chad Lab:
Chiltons book Code list

P0320=Ignition Engine Speed(Profile Ignition Speed, PIP) Input circuit malfunction
P0443=Evaporative emission control canister purge Control Valve circuit malfunction
P0141=Heated Oxygen sensor heater (HTR 12) Circuit malfunction

P0401= Unknown