Guys I'm new to the forum and I own an older F150. My truck is a 1994 F150 with a 4.9 liter auto. Last Friday I went for a spin and when I started the vehicle it started slow and the next time it won't start. The starter was bad and I replaced it , still wouldn't start only clicked when I turned on the ignition, I had a spare solenoid and I replaced it ,same problem. Cleaned all the connections still same problem. I reviewed some of the treads here whch lead me to a neutral switch, changed that, same problem. I'm puzzled any suggestions?

Jim

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the small wire that bolts onto the top of the solenoid. If you got a buddy have him wiggle it when you're trying to start it. That's what cured mine of the same problem. Had to get a better connection for that wire


Jim

 

Thanks for the reply, I tried that even replaced the connector, still only a click. What about the air bag or ignition switch? I did have the air bag light blicking for a while before this happened.

Jim

 

just a thought here but sometimes we miss the obvious things. Is your battery fully charged?


Jim

 

I'm going to try that tomorrow, the battery seems fine, has bright lightsJim

 

try bumping the starter as well. Sometimes they like to get hung up



Jim

 

It's a brand new starter.

Jim

 

I had the same problem when I put my starter in. You just gotta get the teeth to line up with the flywheel. You can either bump the starter using the solenoid or turn the motor by hand. Kinda hard to figure things out when you're not there



Jim

 

Thanks Jim,

Even if the teeth didn't line up won't it try to turn over? It doesn't want to even try to turn over. I get just one click.

Jim

 

definitely sounds like that wire I was talking about earlier.


Jim

 

When you replaced the starter did you put the big battery ground cable back on the starter bolt that holds the starter on?

 

Mine was doing something similar. I got rid of the 6' ground cable that goes all the way to the starter and put a short #2 ground cable to the alternator bracket. Problem solved.

 

was thinking the same thing about the ground. I missed that once myself



Jim

 

I have the ground to the starter bolt, I'll try a shorter cable.

Thanks
Jim

 

You know, that original ground cable that is around six feet long is about the size of a cheap K Mart jumper cable. Lots of resistance. Before I changed mine, the radio would loose it's memory every time I started it and the alternator did not seem to be charging the battery like it should. That all went away when I put the short #2 cable to the alternator bracket. Don't forget that little ground wire on the negative post, you will not get any fuel with it disconnected.