I have a 1997 F250 crew cab. It has 110K on the meter and it is a 2wd with the 7.3 L Powerstroke diesel. It was fine when parked and turned off last (2 days ago) but now it will not start. It just clicks when I turn the key. It does not even pull down on the lights when I turn the key. I hear the "click" noise from under the hood on the riders side. It (the click)seems to be somewhere up close to the firewall on the riders side. (I assume this "click" would be the starter relay????) Sure seems like the starter is not being fed any current. What can I do to troubleshoot it???? Please advise and thanks in advance!!!!


PS) I am pretty sure it is not the battery or battery cables.

 

Have you tried jump starting it off another vehicle to make sure it isn't the batteries?

You can also jump the starter relay with the key on...if the relay is bad it the engine will turn over when you jump it.

 

Check the battery terminals, make sure they are clean and tightened down well. One battery can drain the other so you may have to check them at auto parts store. jcab

 

Yes, I tried jumping it but it made no difference. The dome light doesn't even dim or show any glitch when I turn the key. I just hear the click and snothing happens. Where is the starter relay on this truck?

 

Starter relay is just behind the curb-side battery on the fender. Starter solenoid (this switches the massive power to the starter motor) is on top of the starter at the right rear of the block. From your description, I'd suspect the solenoid or starter itself.

 

Passenger side fender usually.

 

Is the starter & solenoid an assembly that combines both? (Can I replace the solenoid only?) At this point it seems pretty certain the solenoid is the problem. As described by DaBigTow, the "massive power" is not being transferred to the starter as evidenced by the lack of any electrical draw on the system. The dome light & dash lights don't even dim when turning the key.

 

The solenoid is bolted to the starter. I've never had mine apart, so I'm only guessing, but I'd think it could be serviced separately. I used to do that on my old bowtie gasser.

 

one way to test the starter solenoid is to tap on it with a hammer why you try to start it. i will start 90% of the time that way. they like to stick some times when they are hot and old.

 

powersmoker is right .... try tapping the starter while having someone attempt to crank it. Could be some crud on the stator face where the brushes ride and it just happened to stop there last time you spun it. Or it could be a dead spot on the stator. Try the tap ... worst thing that can happen is it start

 

I would suggest going to the relay first. Use a multi meter and check for power on both sides of the relay while someone is turning the start key. One side should be hot all the time. the other side is hot only when you hit the key. If there is power on both sides of the relay check for power at the solenoid and the "ol tap the starter" trick.