Folks I have a 2002 V6 F150 that has become temperamental when starting again after being run awhile. This normally occurs more often during warm/hot weather. Whenever I've been out running errands or traveling, stop somewhere for short period then start it back up idle will be erratic up/down to point of almost/sometimes stalling? Usually once I get going down the road it goes away and runs fine. However last summer wife was driving to Atlanta (2 hours into trip) she got caught in traffic and it did it again to out of stalling/not cranking back up. Tow truck had to come get it but mechanic could not reproduce issue and truck started right up. Any ideas of possible cause? I assume it's got something to do with either fuel or air?

 

I'm assuming that no codes are being thrown so you have a couple options:

1. When were the filters replaced (fuel, air)?
2. Have you replaced any of the sensors (IAC, MAF, TPS)?
3. Have you checked for vacuum leaks?
4. How old is the battery?
5. Have you had the alternator tested?
6. There is no six.
7. What color is the truck? (not serious about this one.)

If nothing else get a BAFX bluetooth scanner if you have an android phone or bluetooth capable laptop and torque pro or forscan and look at the information from the engine.

 

Battery is new and alternator tested good. Bought new fuel filter yesterday and will be relaxing it this weekend along with cleaning air filter. Last summer the mechanic who first looked at it "said" he changed oxygen sensors out but we still have the problem.

 

clifford does the same, but has never left me stranded, usually goes away after a minute or two, the only codes ive ever gotten from it is p1071 p1072 or p0171 p0172 (i believe) which is a lean code check your pcv hose and intake gaskets those two are problematic on these 4.2l, i have only replaced the pcv elbow and it worked a bit better, but still idles rough after i start her back up after a few minutes sitting

 

It could be drippy injectors, causing a flooding when warm, and not wanting to restart. If it does it again and won't restart, hold the gas pedal to the floor and crank it. It should restart and clean up. If it does this, I'd think about using some really good injector cleaner. It could also be a damaged fuel pressure regulator or faulty check valve in the fuel sender. Just a thought or two for you to consider.