Thanks for reply. I googled OBD and information I got was that my truck 1996 f150 2WD base model should be OBD 2. But then, if OBD 2 reader does not fit, then I'll just have to buy the OBD 1 reader. Problem solved! One way or another, I'll get there. Again, thanks.

 

Opps! I missed the year being96'! I was wrong, but you sure have a nice way of telling me!

 

Well, I appreciate your help and more important, I couldn't say it as if I knew it for certain! LOL.
I still don't have the error reader but I did follow the Fordfuelinjection and did a car test by unplugging the electrics from the IAB. The engine kept running. So I plan to first clean the sensor and do another test. I may just replace it since I wouldn't know if solenoid is good or not. If I can locate the ECT, I plan to change it at the same time.
I already changed the ignition coil but it did not help, although I read somewhere that ignition coil and the starter/solenoid interact so that I should have tested all of them before changing one.
Anyway, thanks and will post results as soon as the work is done.

 

You can remove the IAC/iab valve and clean it. There's no sensor involved, it's just a solenoid valve. Sounds pooched though.

 

I've finally replaced the Idle Air Control and Engine Coolant Temperature sensor. The truck starts well now even hot. I should have replaced them one by one to see which part fixed the problem, but I realized this only after the work. I used a little coating of antiseize compound on the threads of the coolant sensor, and reused the IAC washer. The washer was pliable and in good condition.
After the change, I am thinking that idle is quieter, but I am not sure about this.
Anyway, thank you all for the help. I also joined Alldata. I think I am too much of a newbie to use Alldata well, but it looks like Alldata comes in handy as a year-specific info that is better organized than Haynes.

 

I am adding this as well for the reader's benefit. By the way, I also did error code reading and the reader showed no errors.
After changing the IAC and ECT, the start problem came back, but this time it didn't matter if engine was hot or cold. I did some reading here and one name hit me, fuel pump. My front tank sending unit does not work and I just estimate when to refill the tank. The gas from rear tank also travels to the front. From this, I am guessing that front tank fuel pump needs to be replaced. This may be confirmed by the fact that the start problem I have now happens when I am using the front tank. When the rear tank is switched on, the car has no problem starting, hot and cold engine.

 

By Jove, I think your on to something there!

 

Posted new thread.

 

Go to the front page of this section, & click on "new topic" at top of page, Synopsis problem in" title", then more information in "message" area & click on submit. Then you'll have your own "Thread", which will get you a lot more suggestions & help!.........and Welcome to the Forum! Also, hooking on the tail of someone else's thread with an unrelated topic is called "Hi-jacking"! But, nobody get's .................the first time anyway!

 

Sorry I realized my mistake and tried to correct it. I would not let me delete it.