I have a 96 Ford F150 that has trouble re-starting. If I try to start it after it has been sitting for a few hours or more, I have no trouble. But if I drive to the store and run in for something and come back and try to start my truck, it won't start. It tries but then gives out. Sometimes, if I gas it, it will start. It has been getting worse recently. When it won't start, the only way I can get it to start is to pop the hood and sit there for about fifteen minutes and try again (it usually works). My temperature gauge works, but never indicates that it is running hot. Any suggestions for what it may be? Are there any low-cost fixes? Thanks for your time.

One possibility is to replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, which affects fuel injector pulse width. The ECT Sensor is a temperature dependent resistor (thermistor), whose resistance decreases as the engine coolant temperature increases. It provides a richer mixture when cold, leaner mixture when hot. They become corroded, due to not changing the coolant frequently enough, flood the engine, and waste a tremendous amount of fuel.

Here's what it looks like and costs:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...ext=ect+sensor

I'm not sure what engine you have, so your ECT Sensor may be slightly different.

Thank you for your help! I will pick up that part at autozone on my way home today and give it a shot- if it works, this will be a quick and easy repair :D

F-150s are extremely reliable trucks. Be sure, however, to replace the platinum spark (Motorcraft) plugs every 40,000 miles, with the exact numbered plug that came in the truck.

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