[Solved] Ford F150 Cranks But Won't Start - [Easy 6 Fixes] (2024)

Nothing beats the frustration when your Ford F150 cranks but won’t start! To solve this problem, I have figured out the troubleshooting methods for you.

In this article, I will discuss six troubleshooting procedures to solve no-start issue of your Ford F150.

If the engine won’t start just cranks, there’s something wrong with the fuel system. A common reason is the tripped inertia fuel shutoff switch. And others can be a bad fuel pump fuse, fuel pump relay, fuel pump driver module, and the fuel pump.

Please Note:You can follow this Ford F150 turns over but won’t start guide regardless of the model and year of your truck.

The common years with this issue are: Ford F150 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

6 Reasons Why Ford F150 Cranks But Won’t Start!

Here are the solutions for the Ford F150 turns over but won’t start problem.

ProblemSolution
Tripped inertia fuel shutoff switchReset the inertia fuel shutoff switch
Bad inertia fuel shutoff switchReplace the inertia fuel shutoff switch
Bad fuel pump fuseReplace the fuel pump fuse
Melted fuel pump fuse 27Use a relocation kit
Bad PCM power relayReplace the PCM power relay
Bad fuel pump relayReplace the fuel pump relay
Damaged fuel pump driver moduleReplace the fuel pump driver module
Bad fuel pumpReplace the fuel pump

1. Tripped or Failing Inertia Fuel Shutoff Switch

If your truck has an old inertia fuel shutoff switch, you need to ensure it’s not tripped. It may trip if the truck had a large bump or hit a pothole.

Ideally, this inertia safety switch is meant to turn off the fuel pump to avoid any fire hazard in the event of a collision.

So find the switch, and do a visual inspection. It’s probably beside the central junction box inside the cabin.

If you see the red reset button is raised upward (known as the open position), that means it tripped. Hence it’s not sending the power to the fuel pump driver module.

[Solved] Ford F150 Cranks But Won't Start - [Easy 6 Fixes] (1)

And you need to reset it manually. To reset the inertia switch, press the red button down. Once you reset it to the operating position (known as the closed position), the engine should start just fine.

But if you have no luck resetting the switch, you need to make sure the switch is working properly.

You can test with a multimeter whether the C (Common) and NC (Normally Closed) prongs/poles of the switch have continuity when the switch is in the closed position (reset button is pushed down).

If there is no continuity (no beep sound from the multimeter), then it’s a bad switch.

You can bypass the inertia switch by jumping the connector wires and then check if the engine starts. If the engine starts, that means the switch is not operating correctly.

So if it’s a failing or bad switch, you need to replace it, and you will solve your problem immediately.

2. Blown-Out or Melted Fuel Pump Fuse

A bad or blown-out fuel pump fuse can make your Ford F150 cranks but won’t start!

So go ahead and visually inspect the fuse. It should be in the battery junction box under the hood and see if it’s blown or melted.

You can test the fuse with a test light or a multimeter. Alternatively, you can swap it with another identical one and see if your engine starts. You need to replace the fuel pump fuse if it solves the problem.

[Solved] Ford F150 Cranks But Won't Start - [Easy 6 Fixes] (2)

And, if your truck is one of the 2009 to 2014 models (7th generation), you should know that many reports of Ford F150 fuel pump fuse 27 keep melting out. In that case, you need to use a relocation kit.

It’s good practice to test out all the fuses in the central and battery junction boxes.

3. Bad PCM Power Relay

Next, check the PCM power relay to see whether it’s getting the power. If the PCM is not communicating with the fuel pump driver module, there is no fuel supply; hence the engine fails to start.

You can confirm that it’s working fine if the relay clicks when the ignition is in the ON position.

However, if there is no clicking sound, it might have gone wrong. And you need to replace it, which will hopefully solve the no-start problem.

4. Bad Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay could cause this F150 cranks but no start problem. So you need to make sure it’s working properly.

If your truck has a serviceable fuel pump relay (in the fuse box under the hood), you can swap it with another identical one. Then go ahead and start the engine. If it solves the problem, you can be sure that the fuel pump relay is failing.

And, you need to replace the bad fuel pump relay to solve the crank-but-won’t-start issue with your Ford F150.

5. Damaged Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM)

The fuel pump driver module is a crucial component of the fuel system to work properly. This module sends power to the fuel pump. And, you need to make sure it’s in working condition.

So, get your spare tire down and crawl under the vehicle to the fuel pump driver module. Do a visual inspection.

If you see it has been corroded or physically damaged, there is a possibility that it’s not working correctly.

[Solved] Ford F150 Cranks But Won't Start - [Easy 6 Fixes] (3)

As a result, there is no communication between the FPDM and the fuel pump. Hence the engine will crank but won’t start. You can bypass the module by jumping the 6-pin connector with two jumper cables. And then try to start the engine.

If the bypass allows the engine to start, it signifies a failing or damaged fuel pump driver module.

In that case, you need to replace the FPDM, and your truck should start fine.

6. Bad Fuel Pump

After trying all the troubleshooting methods and fixes, if your truck fails to start, it signifies that the fuel pump may not be in good condition. Especially if your truck is an older generation model, this could be quite possible.

You can try to listen to the fuel pump sound by taking the fuel cap off while someone cycles the ignition key to ON and OFF positions. If you don’t hear any sound, that means the pump is not working.

So you need to replace the fuel pump to get your Ford F150 started again.

Final Words

So now you have everything you need to know why your Ford F150 cranks but won’t start. Go ahead and follow the troubleshooting methods, and I hope you’ll get this problem solved.

You should visit the dealership or contact a professional mechanic if you fail to fix it.

[Solved] Ford F150 Cranks But Won't Start - [Easy 6 Fixes] (2024)

FAQs

What could be causing my Ford F-150 truck struggling to start up? ›

The most common reasons a Ford F-150 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How to do a hard reset on a Ford F-150? ›

Performing a System Reset

Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (center of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds. Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

How do I know if my starter is bad on my f150? ›

Signs of a Bad Starter – How to Identify Your Starter is Failing
  1. DASH LIGHTS.
  2. CLICKING.
  3. SLOW CRANKING.
  4. SMOKE.
  5. OIL-SOAKED STARTER.

Why is my 2002 Ford F-150 turning over but not starting? ›

One common cause of a crank/no-start condition is a bad crankshaft position sensor. If the computer doesn't see a signal from this sensor while cranking the engine over, the computer see's no reason to run the fuel pump or operate the injectors.

Why is my truck cranking over but not starting? ›

Another reason why your car cranks but won't start is a bad fuel pump. It is not always necessary that you have faulty fuel injectors, it may be the bad fuel pump that doesn't supply the right amount of fuel. To find out if there is a fuel pump problem, check the flow with a fuel pressure gauge.

What would cause my truck to struggle to start? ›

There are a number of reasons why your car might be slow to start but runs as-normal once it gets going. Causes can vary from weather conditions to battery health, wiring issues, starter motor concerns and fuel-pump health.

How to reset Ford PCM? ›

How to Reset PCM
  1. Open the hood and look for the car battery.
  2. Remove the negative battery cable.
  3. Wait for around five minutes.
  4. Turn the headlights on with the battery disconnected to empty the power in the capacitors.
  5. Put the terminal back on again.
Nov 2, 2023

How do you reset the engine on a Ford F-150? ›

Identify the negative terminal of your battery, usually easily spotted by a black cap and/or a negative symbol. Using a wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal, and pull the connector from the battery. Keep it removed for up to a minute. Reconnect the negative cable, tightening the nut with your wrench.

What are the symptoms of a bad starter solenoid? ›

No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine

That clicking noise you hear when you go to start your car (but nothing happens) is either the starter solenoid or the starter relay. So, if you don't hear anything—not even a click—when trying to start your car, you may be dealing with a bad starter solenoid.

How do you tell if it's your starter or ignition switch? ›

Starter motors should make noise when you turn your ignition key fully to activate your car. If you turn the key and do not hear anything, there's a chance that there's something wrong with the vehicle's ignition switch.

What is the symptoms of bad starter? ›

Signs of a Bad Starter
  • Whirring, grinding, or clicking sounds when trying to start your car.
  • A loud single click while trying to start the vehicle with no engine crank.
  • The instrument cluster, headlights, and radio work normally, but nothing happens when you turn the key.
Apr 19, 2023

Why wont my truck start but has full power? ›

A low battery is the most frequent cause of a car having power but not turning over. Other causes include a bad starter, a bad alternator, or electrical issues. If you hear clicking, whirring, or nothing at all when trying to start your car, you may have a bad starter, malfunctioning alternator, or low battery.

Why is my truck turning over slowly but not starting? ›

The battery is not getting enough power, This could be due to a loose or corroded battery terminal, a faulty battery cable, or a problem with the alternator.

Why is my Ford not starting? ›

You can try jiggling the steering wheel a bit while turning the key, as sometimes the steering lock can cause this issue. If that doesn't work, it's time to call a trusted mechanic for a diagnosis. Worn-out spark plugs can be a sneaky culprit behind a non-starting car.

Why is my truck hesitating to start? ›

A battery issue is one of the most likely reasons your car hesitates to start. Your car battery could be dead, or there's a loose connection. That said, a battery works by cranking your car's engine. As the battery gets older, its cranking amps gradually decrease, especially if you live in a cold area.

Why does my truck stutter when I try to start it? ›

The reason your engine sputters is most likely due to problems with its fuel injector, ignition system or a mixture of these faulty components.

Why wont my truck start on the first try? ›

The problem could be a weak fuel pump, leaking fuel injectors, worn starter, weak battery, or faulty temperature sensor. Good technicians will be able to test and determine the issue more accurately if they can experience the issue themselves.

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