When my truck sits (typically at work) it doesn't want to start on first crank. I've changed a dead battery and it helped the situation some, but it still has issues. I'm not sure it's the starter because it's not consistent.
What is your question?
Changes battery, did multimeter test for alternator. Only happens after sitting, starts right up after having already been started. When it does it, you hear a noise that sounds like something running the an attempt at starting. Next crank will start the truck.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Happens when sitting long periods
How long has your 2014 Ford F-150 had this problem?
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Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
It sounds like your F-150 is playing hard to get after sitting for a while. Since you’ve already tackled the battery and checked the alternator, we might be dealing with something a bit trickier. Given that it starts fine after the initial crank, I'd point the finger at a couple of possible culprits.
First, let’s consider fuel pressure. A weak fuel pump or a leaky fuel injector can cause the fuel to drain back into the tank when the truck sits, leading to a hard start. Another possibility is a sticky starter relay or solenoid that doesn’t always engage properly.
If you hear a noise like something running, it could also be the fuel pump priming or another relay clicking but not quite making the connection on the first try. Losing fuel pressure seems to be the most likely culprit and the place where you might want to start.
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