The Ford F-150 is a reliable truck. However, stalling is one of the common problems that you may experience. What could be the reasons for this? We talked to Ford expert professionals that furnished us with the following information.
Your Ford F-150 could be stalling due to the reasons below:
- Fuel issues
- Trouble with engine timing
- Unclean throttle body
- Torque converter does not un-lock
If your truck stalls, it means the engine has a problem. Keep reading to know the cause of these problems and how to fix them. Also, find out how much it costs to solve a stalling issue.
Reasons Your Ford 150 Is Stalling
If you happen to stall while driving, pull off to the side of the road as quickly as you can. This is because your steering and brake systems may start losing power.
If you delay, you might have to move it more forcefully by pressing harder on the brake pedal as you steer your truck.
Next, you need to diagnose the problem. Below are some of the common reasons your FORD F-150 has stalled:
Fuel Issues
Problems in your truck’s fuel system are the most common culprits, and they include:
Water In Your Gas Tank
If water finds its way into your gas tank, your car may stop moving. When water mixes with fuel, there usually isn’t enough fuel for combustion to take place. You will notice this when you stall after fueling.
Wrong Mixture Of Air And Fuel
Your truck needs fuel and air to run efficiently. But, if the amount of air is more than it should, your truck will not get enough fuel. This could be due to several factors such as a bad sensor reading.
The engine control unit or ECU receives information from different sensors and adjusts the airflow accordingly. The mass air flow sensor or MAF is the one that tells the ECU the amount of air that is entering the engine.
If the MAF malfunctions like the one shown below, the ECU may receive a wrong reading on the mass of air present in your engine. The ECU may direct less fuel into the engine, causing your truck to stall.
View this mass air flow sensor on Amazon.
Faulty Fuel Injector
If the injection system in your truck is allowing too much or not enough fuel into your engine, then your vehicle may stall. In other words, faulty fuel injectors will not pass enough fuel to your engine.
Inadequate Fuel
It is obvious your vehicle will stop moving without fuel in it. However, the fuel pump, which is responsible for moving the fuel from the gas tank to the engine may be defective.
This fuel pump suitable for a Ford F150 is on Amazon.
Trouble With Engine Timing
A timing chain that is not in good working order will cause engine problems. Let's take a look at some possible reasons this can happen:
Faulty Variable Valve Timing System
If your Ford F-150 engine’s timing does not work properly, it will stall. Today’s trucks are fitted with a variable valve timing system, VVT.
It is normally inactive; until you carry extra weight in your trunk or drive at high speeds.
Your truck pulling a trailer will also activate it. However, if your timing system develops problems, your vehicle may stall.
Timing Chain Has Jumped
Have a look at this timing chain on Amazon.
The timing chain like the one above is sometimes called a timing belt.
This chain is responsible for the engine components working in tandem with one another for a smooth drive.
If this chain is out of place or position, the engine will run not run efficiently or stop running altogether.
Dirty Throttle Body
If your truck stalls for one or two seconds when coming to a stop, it could be a sign your throttle is dirty. Your engine light will come on to indicate that this is so.
Torque Converter
The torque converter locks to transmit power from the engine to the wheels. It improves fuel mileage as it reduces the loss of driveline power.
If the converter does not unlock, your vehicle will stall, which can be equated to a manual car refusing to move to the next gear.
How To Solve The Stalling Problem In Your Ford F150
Remove Water From Your Gas Tank
Ensure there is no water in your gas tank. There’s normally a tiny amount of water in your fuel, which you can take care of by adding water removers into the gas tank.
You could also avoid water mixing with fuel by closing the fuel cap tightly to prevent rainwater from entering the gas tank. And, don’t drive through a flooded area.
Repair Or Replace The MAF Sensor
Check the MAF sensor and clean it if it has debris and dirt blocking the system from functioning well.
As you clean the sensor, you may have to replace the air filter as well. It will prevent further blocking of the system due to dust.
If the MAF sensor is still not working, then replace it.
Clean Or Replace Fuel Injectors
Clogged injectors need a good clean. You can efficiently do this by using the fuel injector cleaning kit as shown below.
Look for one that is compatible with your Ford F150 model. This is best handled by a professional, but if you have the skills, it is a DIY kit.
You can find this cleaning kit on Amazon.
Repair Your Fuel Pump
Manual fuel pumps are attached to the engines, and those that are electrical, are fitted inside the tank.
You can repair a manual pump, but you will need to replace an electrical one.
Replace Your Timing Chain
Replacing your timing chain because it has an issue or is worn out; is usually done as a kit. This is because it is available with other parts that are related.
Also, since most vehicles have two or sometimes three chains, the vehicle motor professionals often recommend you replace all the chains.
Clean Your Dirty Throttle Body
As previously mentioned, a dirty throttle will cause your car to stall. It can also create issues with fuel consumption and acceleration.
So, it is good to clean your throttle body by using the WD-40. You can clean it by removing this part from your car. If it is difficult to remove, though, do not force it.
You can still clean it while attached to your car. A professional can help you with this.
Repair Torque Converter
This is a job suitable for an auto professional. In the first place, you have to remove the whole transmission system to replace or repair the torque converter. And, it can take as long as 5 to 10 hours to replace it.
Cost Of Fixing A Stall Problem In Your Ford F-150
The cost of repairing a faulty alternator can cost up to $500. You may spend between $100 and $1,000 to replace a fuel pump, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
For a Ford F-150, replacing the fuel pump will cost between $210 and $264, including labor. To replace a timing chain will cost you between 1,064 and $1,341 for labor, while the chain will cost around $264.
The cost to replace a torque converter ranges between $600 and $1,000, as per the make and model of the vehicle. If you want to replace it yourself, you will likely spend between $150 and $500.
However, as earlier explained, replacing a torque is quite involving. Unless you are confident enough in your skills, you would rather spend more for a good quality job.
Remember, your Ford F-150 is a truck you would want to last long and continue to give you good service.
In Closing
It can be an unpleasant experience when your vehicle stalls in the middle of the road. It is, therefore, important to know the cause of this problem so that you can fix it and prevent it in the first place.
The cost of fixing this problem can vary in both extremes, from cheap to expensive. It may be cheaper to carry out the repairs, but a professional may save you a lot of money. This is because they will do a quality job that will keep your vehicle around for longer.
Thank you for reading this post, and you are welcome to read and learn more about the Ford F-150 by clicking on the links below: