[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.