My truck has started having an intermentent cranking problem. It seems when the truck has been sitting for several hours and you crank it, it acts like you are bumping the starter 3 or 4 times before it fires. It does this while holding the key in the start position. Any ideas?

 

Bumping the starter to me means multiple attempts with the starter not cranking the engine. Are you experiencing extended cranking time or the starter working intermittently? Are you aware that you don't need to hold the key in the start position? Bump the key to the start position and the truck will start itself.

 

The starter is working intermittently. I was not aware that you do not have to hold the key to crank it.

 

Just thinking out loud, but I wonder if the starter is kicking out because you are holding the key?

 

No, you can hold the key, the computer just ignores you since it already received the command to start.

 

I wonder if this is battery power related?

I think I would load test the batteries as a place to start given the cold weather.

 

Its been in the 80's here but the batteries are what I thought. How long does ford warranty there batteries for?

 

not sure of the warranty on the batteries. Have to consult the owners manual. I am sure there is some pro rating of them but if you are under the 36/36 maybe they will replace them?

Trouble is getting them tested. They may not want to do that unless you force the issue. Also the cranking issue unless it can duplicated is another issue that have to be overcome.

 

It's been a while since you posted this issue.
Could you post more info about your issue and how was it resolved?
That will help many of us.
Thank you,
BJ

 

Wow, a 5 year old thread resurrected. Nice job.

I've had this cranking issue before and just as was mentioned above, it was a bad starting battery (the one on passenger side). Go to box store and they can test your battery for cranking amps.

 

Thank you for the quick reply.
I did look at both batteries and the one on passenger side looks like leaking or something. Anyway, I think you may be right about battery since the batteries are over 5 years old, still original. I will have them checked this weekend.
So, is that passenger side battery used for startup only, or they are somehow connected in case if the startup fails, the other one takes over?

Thanks,
BJ

 

they are in paraell so they both power everything.


When testing them do not run the truck. Have to test them only to see if they are not able to push the right cranking amps.

 

Disconnect a battery cable and test each battery separately, I had to explain that to my Ford dealer mechanic.

 

Haven't had a chance to test the batteries yet, but the interesting thing is that when I do a remote start it always starts without any single issue.
However, when I use the key in the ignition, it will hiccup a few times and then will start.
Tried this multiple times and the remote start always works perfectly - starting first time without any hesitation. When use the key in the ignition - it will always attempt to crank very briefly and stop, need to try a few times to start the engine.
Anyone else experience this?

Thanks,
BJ

 

I will to bet that at least one of your batteries is bad or has a dead cell. Happened to me in my 2011. I could remote start without an issue, once I used the key it was hit and miss. Most of the time it would just go click-click-click...

5 years out of OEM batteries you are doing well. Mine lasted just over 3 years and to be honest, I'm close to just replacing the ones in my 2015 as they are just over 3 years now and I don't want to get stuck....