2019 Ford F-150 Hard Start? Here's How to Fix It

How to Fix Hard Start

Experiencing a hard start in your 2019 Ford F-150 can be frustrating. It often manifests as the engine cranking for an extended period before finally starting. As one owner shared: "Cleaned the MAF sensor, still getting the code. Hesitation on acceleration." F150Forum_User. This guide will help you understand the potential causes and provide steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

Symptoms

Hard starting in your 2019 F-150 can present in several ways. You might notice the engine takes longer than usual to crank before it finally starts. This extended cranking period can be inconsistent; it might happen only sometimes, or it could become a regular occurrence. Other symptoms may arise alongside the hard start.

Some owners have reported stalling after the engine finally starts. This is a key indicator that something is disrupting the engine's ability to maintain a stable idle. Stalling, especially soon after a hard start, can suggest issues with fuel delivery or air intake. The combination of hard start and stalling is a good place to start when diagnosing this issue.

Additional symptoms reported by owners include a generally filthy or muddy condition inside the engine bay. While this isn't a direct cause of hard starting, it can contribute to issues with components like the MAF sensor if debris finds its way into the sensor. Keeping the engine bay clean is a good preventative maintenance measure.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the most likely cause of a hard start in your 2019 Ford F-150 is a dirty or malfunctioning Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine, and this information is crucial for the engine control unit (ECU) to calculate the correct air-fuel mixture.

When the MAF sensor is dirty or faulty, it can provide inaccurate readings to the ECU. This leads to an improper air-fuel mixture, which can make it difficult for the engine to start. The engine might crank for a longer time than usual because it's struggling to achieve the right conditions for combustion.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a hard start related to the MAF sensor involves a few steps. First, visually inspect the MAF sensor and its surrounding area. Look for any signs of dirt, debris, or damage. The sensor is typically located in the air intake tube, near the air filter box.

Next, you'll need an OBD-II scanner to check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Connect the scanner to the OBD-II port, usually located under the dashboard. If there's a code related to the MAF sensor (such as P0171), it confirms that the sensor is a potential issue.

If no codes are present but you still suspect the MAF sensor, you can try cleaning it. You'll need a can of MAF sensor cleaner, which is specifically designed to clean the delicate sensor wires without damaging them. Never use other types of cleaners, as they can leave residue that interferes with the sensor's accuracy.

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's how to clean the MAF sensor in your 2019 F-150:

1. Gather your tools: You'll need a can of MAF sensor cleaner, a screwdriver (usually a Phillips head), and possibly a wrench or socket if the sensor is secured with bolts.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable: This is a crucial safety step to prevent any electrical damage during the cleaning process.
3. Locate the MAF sensor: As mentioned earlier, it's usually located in the air intake tube, near the air filter box.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector: Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the MAF sensor. There's usually a clip or tab that you need to press to release the connector.
5. Remove the MAF sensor: Use the screwdriver or wrench to remove the screws or bolts that secure the MAF sensor to the air intake tube.
6. Inspect the sensor: Once the sensor is removed, visually inspect it for any dirt, debris, or damage. Pay close attention to the small wires or filaments inside the sensor.
7. Clean the sensor: Hold the MAF sensor cleaner a few inches away from the sensor wires and spray them thoroughly. Be careful not to touch the wires with the nozzle of the cleaner can. As one owner reported: "P0171 Lean Bank 1 - 2017 F-150 Check engine light with P0171 lean condition on my 2017 F-150 5.0L." F150Forum_User.
8. Let the sensor dry: Allow the MAF sensor to air dry completely before reinstalling it. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
9. Reinstall the MAF sensor: Carefully reinstall the MAF sensor into the air intake tube, making sure it's properly seated and secured with the screws or bolts.
10. Reconnect the electrical connector: Reconnect the electrical connector to the MAF sensor, making sure it clicks into place.
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable: Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.
12. Start the engine: Start the engine and see if the hard start issue has been resolved.
13. Clear any DTCs: If you had any DTCs related to the MAF sensor, use the OBD-II scanner to clear them.

Parts and Tools Needed

• MAF sensor cleaner: CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner (or equivalent)
• Screwdriver (usually Phillips head)
• Wrench or socket (if needed to remove the sensor)
• OBD-II scanner

Real Owner Costs

The cost of fixing a hard start in your 2019 F-150 can vary depending on the cause and whether you choose to do it yourself or take it to a mechanic. If the MAF sensor is the culprit, cleaning it yourself is a relatively inexpensive option. A can of MAF sensor cleaner typically costs around $10-$20.

If cleaning the MAF sensor doesn't resolve the issue, you might need to replace it. A new MAF sensor can range in price from $50 to $200, depending on the brand and quality.

Labor costs for a mechanic to diagnose and replace the MAF sensor can vary, but you can expect to pay around $100-$300. As one owner shared: "Just got mine done this week at my local Ford dealership, also a 2019, luckily I was still under warranty and only paid $100 deductible." Reddnvr5280.

Prevention

To prevent hard starting issues in your 2019 F-150, regular maintenance is key. Keep the air filter clean, as a dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the MAF sensor to become dirty more quickly. It's also a good idea to visually inspect the MAF sensor periodically and clean it as needed.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Success Stories

"SYNC 3 reboot fix - master reset worked! Fixed my SYNC 3 reboot issues!" — TechFixGuy (source)

"Fixed my SYNC 3 reboot issues! Had to do a master reset:" — TechFixGuy (source)

Owner Experiences

"P0171 Lean Bank 1 - 2017 F-150 Check engine light with P0171 lean condition on my 2017 F-150 5.0L." — F150Forum_User (source)

"2019 F150 5.0 misfire only @WOT I have tried 87-93 including e85 on fresh tank .same issue" — Independent-Orange89 (source)

"Morimoto usually have a black Friday sale. I've had XB Hybrids on my 2019 for 4 1/2 years." — eyecandynsx (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Cleaned the MAF sensor, still getting the code. Hesitation on acceleration." — F150Forum_User (source)

⚠️ "Still have my '19 Platinum from new and it's spec'd perfect. Coyote and tow w/ 3.55s, 701A, 36 gallon tank, 4auto, FX4 etc. $59.5k otd including taxes in Dec' 19, sticker was 66k." — viperquick82 (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Definitely doable on your own. Watch a few YouTube videos before you start and follow along with one while you work on it." — mikmanage (source)

💡 "Watch a few YouTube videos before you start and follow along with one while you work on it." — mikmanage (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Just got mine done this week at my local Ford dealership, also a 2019, luckily I was still under warranty and only paid $100 deductible." — Reddnvr5280 (source)

"I have a 2019 XLT Supercab 5.0 that I paid $43K OTD right before COVID. I'm starting to get the feeling that might be the last new truck I ever buy." — smoosh33 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a hard start in a 2019 F-150?

A: Cleaning the MAF sensor is a quick job that can be done in about 30 minutes. Replacing the sensor yourself might take an hour or two, depending on your experience. Taking it to a mechanic might take a few hours, including diagnosis time.

Q: Can I drive my 2019 F-150 with a hard start?

A: While you can technically drive the vehicle with a hard start, it's not recommended to continue driving with the issue. Ignoring the problem could potentially lead to stalling or further damage to the engine.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2019 Ford F-150?

A: Hard starting can occur on any vehicle, including the 2019 Ford F-150, due to various factors. The MAF sensor is a known potential cause.

Q: DIY vs. mechanic - what's recommended for hard start issues on the 2019 Ford F-150?

A: Cleaning the MAF sensor is something you can definitely do yourself with minimal tools and experience. As one owner mentioned: "Definitely doable on your own. Watch a few YouTube videos before you start and follow along with one while you work on it." mikmanage. If the problem persists after cleaning the MAF sensor, it's best to consult a mechanic for further diagnosis.