I have a 1993 Ford F150 5.0.
I have had problems starting before but it would normally go away soon.
When I turn the key there is power for radio but the car doesnot start.
Someone said it is an alternator problem.
How much do I expect to pay a mechanic to fix alternator? I am at Northeastern US.

Thanks
Fred

 

Does your radio go off when you turn the key to start? Do you have to keep getting a jump? Does it try to start,(click)? I would look at cleaning the battery cables first. If you have to have the alt replaced then, I would think about 40-50 for labor plus whatever an alt costs.

 

Same problem here same truck check my post with similiar question.Had the same problem and replaced the solenoid on the fire wall. Started fine then burned two more after that.So need less to say I am still searching out the problem.Hopefully putting in a new solenoid will get you down to the mechanics as I may end up doing.

 

I cleaned the battery cables. Still not working.
There is no click sound when I turn the ignition.

I hit the alternator a few time. That did not get it started.

I will ask mechanic to replace the solenoid on the fire wall before changing alternator.

 

Are you getting power when you turn the key to start, to the small wire that clips on the solinoid. If not, I would check your neutral safety switch or your ignition switch. If you are getting power, you should here your solinoid "click" and the motor will turn over. If its not clicking your solinoid is bad or you have a bad ground at the solinoid. Also you can take a jumper wire from the battery side of the solinoid and touch the "start" terminal on the solinoid and the motor should start if the solinoid is good.

 

What he said.....See if you are getting power at the small wire on the solenoid when you turn the key. If not then look at you neutral switch or ignition switch, not your alt.