starting problem on 1997 ford f350
#18
Starter relay is wired correctly. There's probably at least one other wire on that "ganged" terminal, that supplies main power to the underhood fuse box (and, ultimately, the rest of the truck).
It's normal for the glow plug relay to click ONCE when you turn the key to RUN. If it's a cyclic or repeating click, that's NOT normal. Once again, an indicator of a voltage problem caused by a weak connection or weak batteries.
There may be something wrong with the alternator, causing the batteries to discharge, but the alternator is not directly related to starting the engine (since, of course, it's not turning until the engine starts).
It's normal for the glow plug relay to click ONCE when you turn the key to RUN. If it's a cyclic or repeating click, that's NOT normal. Once again, an indicator of a voltage problem caused by a weak connection or weak batteries.
There may be something wrong with the alternator, causing the batteries to discharge, but the alternator is not directly related to starting the engine (since, of course, it's not turning until the engine starts).
#19
#20
#23
No. You disconnect one of the negative terminals, so the two are not in circuit together. Then connect a load tester to one battery. Cheapo version - 6 Volt/12 Volt Battery Load Tester . Fancy-cheapo version - 500 Amp Carbon Pile Load Tester . They probably have the cheapo version available for "loan" (you put up a deposit) at your nearby chain auto parts store. Or, you can pull each battery out and haul them into the store for the same test.
But look closely at main connections / wires - at the batteries, where the battery negative cables ground to the engine block, general condition of those cables. They're bigeffin' cables, something like 2/0 gauge, and carry a LOT of load when you turn the key. Any damage to them can give you the kind of fits you're describing.
When you turn the key to RUN (but NOT to START), does the truck "act normal"? GP relay clicks loudly ONCE, WTS light comes on for 5-10 seconds, you can run the radio, wipers, etc, no smoke or sparks or scary stuff coming from any wires / connections? No repeated clicks? That's the part that's still not clear.
But look closely at main connections / wires - at the batteries, where the battery negative cables ground to the engine block, general condition of those cables. They're bigeffin' cables, something like 2/0 gauge, and carry a LOT of load when you turn the key. Any damage to them can give you the kind of fits you're describing.
When you turn the key to RUN (but NOT to START), does the truck "act normal"? GP relay clicks loudly ONCE, WTS light comes on for 5-10 seconds, you can run the radio, wipers, etc, no smoke or sparks or scary stuff coming from any wires / connections? No repeated clicks? That's the part that's still not clear.
#24
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Tuff4stroke
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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09-18-2011 10:17 PM