2020 Ford F-150 Hard Start? Here's What To Check

How to Fix Hard Start

Experiencing a hard start with your 2020 Ford F-150 can be frustrating. It's that moment when you turn the key, and the engine hesitates, cranks slowly, or refuses to start immediately. While many factors can contribute to this issue, understanding the potential causes and how to address them can save you time and money. One owner mentioned components around the vehicle: "Accidental 6x6 created by google street view is...wild On google street view, makes me wonder if this has ever been done quick use of the googler machine and theres a bunch of course" — Linden4President (source). While not directly related to hard starting, this highlights the wide range of issues that owners encounter.

Symptoms

When your truck experiences a hard start, several telltale signs might indicate the problem. The most obvious symptom is a prolonged cranking time before the engine finally roars to life. Instead of the engine firing up immediately, you might hear it turning over and over, struggling to ignite. This extended cranking can be a sign of various underlying issues.

Another symptom could be an inconsistent start. Sometimes your vehicle starts fine, while other times it requires multiple attempts or extended cranking. This inconsistency can make it difficult to predict when the problem will occur, adding to the frustration. A common owner feeling may be an, "ouch" when this problem arises.

In some cases, a hard start can be accompanied by other issues, such as rough idling or stalling shortly after starting. If the engine struggles to maintain a stable idle speed or dies shortly after starting, it could be related to the hard start condition. Pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations during startup as well.

It's also important to note the conditions under which the hard start occurs. Does it primarily happen when the engine is cold, or does it also occur when the engine is warm? Does the problem seem more prevalent in certain weather conditions, such as cold or damp weather? These observations can provide valuable clues when diagnosing the cause.

Most Likely Cause

Based on available owner data, the fan clutch may be the cause for issues. The fan clutch is a temperature-sensitive device that controls the speed of the engine cooling fan. When the engine is cold, the fan clutch allows the fan to spin freely, reducing the load on the engine. As the engine warms up, the fan clutch engages, causing the fan to spin faster and provide more cooling. A faulty fan clutch can cause the engine to work harder than it should.

The fan clutch is directly related to how hard the vehicle works to maintain temperature.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a hard start issue requires a systematic approach to identify the root cause. Start by gathering information about the symptoms and conditions under which the problem occurs. Note any patterns or specific circumstances that seem to trigger the hard start. If you noticed your brakes acting strangely, "brake" parts may be the cause.

Next, perform a visual inspection of the engine compartment, looking for any obvious signs of damage, leaks, or loose connections. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are securely tightened. Inspect the wiring harness for any damaged or frayed wires.

To diagnose the fan clutch, start by visually inspecting it for any signs of damage or wear. Check the fan blades for cracks or bends. With the engine off, try spinning the fan by hand. It should spin freely with some resistance when the engine is cold. If the fan feels loose or wobbly, or if it doesn't spin freely, the fan clutch may be faulty.

If you suspect a problem with the fan clutch, you can perform a simple test to confirm its operation. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. Observe the fan speed as the engine warms up. The fan speed should increase gradually as the engine temperature rises. If the fan speed doesn't change or if it remains constant, the fan clutch may not be engaging properly.

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a general step-by-step guide to address a hard start, focusing on the fan clutch:

1. Gather necessary tools and materials: You'll need a socket set, wrenches, a fan clutch removal tool (if required), a new fan clutch (if diagnosed as faulty), and safety glasses.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable: This will prevent any electrical accidents during the repair.

3. Locate the fan clutch: The fan clutch is typically located at the front of the engine, connected to the water pump pulley.

4. Remove the fan shroud (if necessary): Some vehicles have a fan shroud that needs to be removed to access the fan clutch. Remove any screws or clips holding the shroud in place and carefully remove it from the engine compartment.

5. Loosen the fan clutch nut or bolts: Use a wrench or socket to loosen the nut or bolts that secure the fan clutch to the water pump pulley. Some fan clutches may require a special removal tool to hold the pulley in place while loosening the nut.

6. Remove the fan clutch: Once the nut or bolts are loosened, carefully remove the fan clutch from the water pump pulley. Be careful not to damage the radiator or any other components in the engine compartment.

7. Install the new fan clutch (if necessary): If you've diagnosed a faulty fan clutch, install the new one in the reverse order of removal. Make sure to tighten the nut or bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

8. Reinstall the fan shroud (if removed): If you removed the fan shroud, reinstall it in its original position. Secure it with the screws or clips.

9. Reconnect the negative battery cable: Once the repair is complete, reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.

10. Start the engine and test: Start the engine and let it idle to check the fan clutch operation. Make sure the fan speed increases gradually as the engine warms up. Check for any leaks or unusual noises.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Socket set
• Wrenches
• Fan clutch removal tool (if required)
• New fan clutch (if diagnosed as faulty)
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Real Owner Costs

Unfortunately, there is not specific owner cost data provided for fan clutches.

Prevention

To prevent hard start issues in your vehicle, consider the following:

• Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug replacement.
• Battery care: Keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. Have the battery tested regularly to ensure it's in good condition.
• Fuel system maintenance: Use high-quality fuel and consider using a fuel system cleaner periodically to prevent fuel injector clogging.
• Avoid short trips: Short trips can prevent the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature, leading to moisture buildup in the exhaust system and potential hard start issues.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Success Stories

"SOLVED: P0303 Misfire Cylinder 3 - Ignition Coil Fixed it!" — DIYMechanic (source)

Owner Experiences

"Accidental 6x6 created by google street view is...wild On google street view, makes me wonder if this has ever been done quick use of the googler machine and theres a bunch of course" — Linden4President (source)

"On google street view, makes me wonder if this has ever been done quick use of the googler machine and theres a bunch of course" — Linden4President (source)

"Took my 2020 F-150 to dealer, cited TSB 19-2346 for transmission shudder. They did a complete fluid flush with the updated Mercon ULV fluid - FREE under warranty!" — TSBFixedIt (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "If you're having this issue, get to the dealer ASAP before warranty ends. Pro tip: the shudder is caused by the clutch packs in the transmission." — TSBFixedIt (source)

💡 "Make sure to replace all coils at once - if one failed, the others are probably close behind. 78k miles on my 2018." — DIYMechanic (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I saw it at a dealership in Phoenix for $50,000, brand new… leather upholstery, 4x4. Seemed cheap to me for a modern truck." — AcuraIntegraTypeR (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a hard start?

A: The time required to fix a hard start can vary depending on the cause and your mechanical skills. Replacing a PCV valve might take less than an hour, while diagnosing and repairing more complex issues could take several hours or even require professional assistance.

Q: Can I drive with a hard start?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive your car with a hard start, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like rough idling or stalling. A hard start can indicate an underlying problem that could worsen and potentially leave you stranded.

Q: Is this a common issue on the vehicle?

A: It's difficult to say definitively how common hard start issues are on the this F-150 without specific statistical data.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Whether to DIY or hire a mechanic depends on your comfort level and mechanical skills. Simple tasks like PCV valve replacement can often be handled by DIYers with basic tools, while more complex diagnostics and repairs are best left to experienced professionals. One owner made sure the dealer checked for possible warranty coverage.