Why will my 2005 Ford F-150 4.2L not accelerate

Asked by kellca Oct 29, 2017 at 11:25 AM about the 2005 Ford F-150

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was driving my truck the other day. I was going about 45mph. As I drove, the
truck began to slow down to 5-10mph and shake (even though I was pressing
the gas pedal to accelerate). I stopped, and cut the truck off. 5 minutes later I
started the truck and could accelerate and drive like normal. I made it about a
mile before the same thing happened.
Problem Symptoms:
-Inability to accelerate
-Shaking
Important Info:
-Fresh spark plugs and wires about 1-2 years ago
-New alternator and battery 2 years ago
-fresh oil and oil filter
-It did NOT overheat
-It did NOT cut off on its own (still running until I turned it off)
-All power was working (cab lights, etc)
-RPMs did not increase when I attempted to accelerate (gas pedal to the floor)
-Truck would still run, but only go at 5-15mph
-LOW FUEL light was on, but I knew I had ~20 miles left
-CHECK ENGINE light did come on during the second time

1 Answer

157,335

Running today's vehicles around with the low fuel light on is a real bad idea. Low fuel level at the fuel pump can cause it to overheat and destroy it. Put some fresh fuel in it and try it again. If it still doesn't run correctly have the fuel pressure checked. A new fuel pump may be in your future.

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