Hello everyone. I'm looking for some advice.

I have a 96 F150 XL. 5.0 V8. 4X2. Auto trans. I bought it when it had 207,000 miles. It recently passed 212,000 miles.

Within the last couple of weeks, my trucks has developed quite a few problems all at once, making it a lot harder to single out my problem.

First, my starter began acting up. Turn the key to start the truck and all I would get is a loud click. I had the bump the key repeatedly or climb under the truck and tap at the starter and/or wiggle the wires to get it to turn the engine. It still does this.

Last week, it rained almost every day for about a week down here. So begins my next issue.. I noticed something was odd when my "put your seatbelt on" dummy light lit up while I was starting the truck. This light had never come on prior. Start driving, get a ways down the road, and the ABS light flashes on. Then the engine just cuts out. I had to coast to a side road, put it in park, and try to start it again. Engine cranked. Nothing. Opened the hood. There were specs of water inside the driver's side fender. Tried again. Fired, ran for a moment, died again. Tried a third time. Fired. I drove straight home.

Yesterday, it did this to me again while I was making a turn. Died. Had to coast to the side of the road and get it coaxed into life again. Something(which has now been identified as the A/C compressor) started making a horrible whining sound on the way home. Today I head to work and the whining from the A/C compressor is worse.

When I tried to leave work, it fired, but died not a moment later. All it would do after that was crank. I left it there and got a ride home as it was getting late.

I am getting fuel(and the fuel filter was replaced as part of maintenance when I bought the truck) I'm wondering what all I can go about checking and/or replacing. Money is scarce during winter time down here, so I have to spend it wisely. Can't afford to chase ghosts, but I have a feeling that's what I may be doing. Any and all help/advice is appreciated.

Jessica

 

Have you checked the fuel pressure at the rail? Does this happen regardless of which tank you're using? My front fuel pump went out, and it was essentially the same symptoms you're describing minus the starter.

 

This vintage of F150 has a habit of leaking through the windshield gasket on lower the left side letting water drip down on the fuse block and onto other connectors located in the general area. It will cause just the problems you are having now, except for the compressor in it's cause check to see if the electric clutch is worn out they make all kinds of noise when they reach the end.

 

Maybe you can find a good fuse box assy at the local parts yard.