New to FTE, Thanks for all your help in the past. got a new problem? I have a 93 F150, 302cu, 5 Speed, 88k. Im new to this truck, bought it last summer and drive it on the wkends.The other day after i pulled it into the gas station and fueled, I went to start it and it wouldn't turn over. For some reason I run it through the gears, tried it again and it started right up. Drove it home and for some reason i check the battery it said 66 percent so I put a charger on it overnight. Next Morning it started right up. Had no problems all that day (yesterday). Went out this morning ready for work, Wouldn't start, turn the key all the light go on before. tested Battery...read 78 percent. took battery off car ( two weeks old)...equal size and compatible...wont start. took a screwdriver to cross solenoid...very little spark...wont start...all fuses good. Have read about a spade connector but i dont know where it is. Getting ready to check all connection if not that. take the starter off. since the cars in the shop, 6.9 dont run, and i live 25 miles from a parts store. guess i will put on 50 pounds of clothes and take the Katana and starter for 23 degree weather run to have it tested. Any Suggestions?

 

Very little spark huh? Well... COULD be that the little spark you saw was just inrush current to the starter drive solenoid (on the starter motor itself) and the starter motor itself has open windings.

If I had to guess I'd say starter is busted and you're doing the right thing by having it tested instead of throwing parts at it.

 

The spade just plugs into the starter solenoid that is mounted on top of the starter. The wire where the spade is crimped on can go bad or the spade can lose contact with the blade sticking out of the starter solenoid. You just cut the spade off and crimp a new one on after you cut off about one inch of the wire coming from the starter relay on the fender.

If it was the starter relay on the fender that you shorted the two large nuts on it and a spark there would say that the spade was good and you may have maybe a bad solenoid on the starter. But it could also be brushes in the start getting short. So hit the starter with a hammer and see if it starts then. Did the starter solenoid click when you shorted the relay?

You could also have a bad starter relay on the fender or a bad neutral safety switch.
You did not say if you have an AT or manual transmission.

 

while holding the key in start position mash down hard on the clutch pedal. i bet the clutch interrupter switch is your problem.

 

First and Foremost thanks to Dixie460, Subford and TJC Transport for your rapid response. I checked all the connection topside and cleaned them...tried to start it with no luck. Then i got under it found the spade plug connector the plastic was partially missing but when pulled off looked like it had good connection. Connections where tight. So I smacked the the starter with the wooden handle of the wire brush I had with me. Then got back up topside and tried to start it. It Cranked right up!!! Let it run till I got changed and the parts store called. Didnt shut it off till I worked on it. Put the better grade new starter on it, $130 and some advice and Im alot happier! Thanks again for your help!