5 Reasons Why Your 2013 Ford F150 Might Have a Hard Start When Cold

The most likely cause of a 2013 Ford F150 hard starting when cold is an issue with the fuel delivery system.

2013 Ford F150 Hard Start When Cold

Are you having difficulty starting your 2013 Ford F150 when it’s cold outside? You may be experiencing a hard start when cold, which could be caused by a number of potential issues. Fortunately, troubleshooting the cause and fixing the issue is often quite straightforward. This article provides an overview of how to diagnose and resolve the problem. We will examine what can cause a hard start when cold, how to test the glow plug relay and battery, and other steps to take if they don’t solve the issue. With a bit of detective work and some basic repair skills, you can get your Ford F150 running like normal in no time.

Diagnosing Hard Start When Cold

Diagnosing the cause of a hard start in a 2013 Ford F150 can be done by first checking the battery. A weak or dead battery can cause a hard start when cold. It is recommended to test the voltage and amperage of the battery before proceeding with further diagnosis. Additionally, checking the spark plugs is also important as they may be worn or fouled, causing difficulty starting when cold.

Troubleshooting Hard Start When Cold

Once it has been determined that the battery and spark plugs are in good condition, further troubleshooting of the 2013 Ford F150 should be performed. First, an electrical system inspection should take place to ensure that all wiring and connections are secure and functioning properly. Additionally, checking the fuel injection system for any clogs or air leaks is important for proper engine function. Finally, it is recommended to inspect any PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) codes for further guidance on what might be causing a hard start when cold.

Confirming the Problem

In order to confirm whether or not a hard start when cold is due to an issue with the ignition system or fuel system of a 2013 Ford F150, further investigation must be done. Inspecting any electrical wiring harnesses for damage or corrosion may help pinpoint an issue in the ignition system, while checking both the PCM and OBD-II codes may help identify potential problems in the fuel delivery system.

Possible Causes of Hard Start When Cold

Once it has been confirmed that there is an issue with either the ignition system or fuel delivery system of a 2013 Ford F150 that is causing hard starts when cold, possible causes must be identified in order to repair them. Issues in the ignition system could include worn spark plug wires, faulty distributor cap/rotor, malfunctioning ignition coils, or faulty spark plugs. Problems in fuel delivery could include clogged injectors, air leaks in intake/exhaust systems, low fuel pressure due to clogged filters/lines/pumps and/or incorrect injection timing settings due to improper tuning.

Replacing Spark Plug Wires

If it has been determined that worn spark plug wires are causing a hard start when cold on a 2013 Ford F150 then they should be replaced immediately. To do this properly requires obtaining replacement parts from either an auto parts store or from Ford itself if replacing OEM parts is desired. Once replacement parts are obtained they should be installed following manufacturers instructions for proper fitment and function of new wires on vehicles engine configuration.

Testing the Ignition Coil Resistance

One of the most common causes of a hard start when cold in a 2013 Ford F150 is a faulty ignition coil. To check if this is the case, you will need to disconnect the coil harness and measure the resistance in ohms. If the reading is too low or too high, then it could indicate that your coil needs to be replaced.

Checking Fuel Supply System Performance

The next step in troubleshooting a hard start when cold on a 2013 Ford F150 is to inspect all components of the fuel supply system. This includes checking the fuel pump relay and pressure. If these are not within manufacturer’s specifications, then they must be replaced or repaired to ensure proper operation. Additionally, it is important to verify that there are no leaks or blockages in any of the fuel lines or hoses.

Repairing Vacuum Lines

Another potential cause for a hard start when cold on a 2013 Ford F150 could be worn out or damaged vacuum hoses. It’s important to visually inspect all vacuum hoses and replace any that are worn out or damaged. This ensures that there is enough air flow for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Verifying Intake Air Temperature Sensor Performance

Finally, it’s important to verify that your 2013 Ford F150’s intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is working properly. To do this, you’ll need to perform a scan and get IAT sensor parameters from your vehicle’s computer system. These parameters can then be cross-checked against manufacturer’s specifications to ensure they’re within range. If not, then the IAT sensor must be replaced in order to ensure proper engine performance.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a hard start when cold?
A: A hard start when cold is a condition in which the engine requires an excessive amount of cranking to get it started after it has been sitting for a period of time.

Q: What should I check when diagnosing a hard start when cold?
A: When diagnosing a hard start when cold, you should check the battery, spark plugs, electrical system, fuel injection system, and ignition system.

Q: What are some possible causes of a hard start when cold?
A: Some possible causes of a hard start when cold include issues in the ignition system or fuel system as well as issues with electrical wiring harnesses or the PCM and OBD-II codes.

Q: How do I replace spark plug wires?
A: To replace spark plug wires, you must first obtain replacement parts and then install them. Once the parts have been installed, you can test the ignition coil resistance by disconnecting the coil harness and measuring resistance in ohms.

Q: How do I check fuel supply system performance?
A: To check fuel supply system performance, you should inspect all components of the fuel supply system including testing the fuel pump relay and pressure. Additionally, you should repair any vacuum lines if necessary and verify that your intake air temperature sensor is working properly.

The 2013 Ford F150 is known for having issues with hard starts when cold. The most likely cause of this issue is a faulty fuel pump or a dirty fuel filter. Other possible causes may include clogged air intakes, faulty spark plugs, or a failing ignition coil. If these issues are not fixed, the hard start issue could become more severe and lead to further problems with the vehicle. It is recommended to have an experienced mechanic inspect the vehicle and diagnose the issue in order to make sure it is properly repaired.