I went out to start my 1999 Itasca RV with the Ford f53 chassis and V10 engine yesterday AM. It was about 10 degrees. When I turned the key, I could hear what sounded like a solenoid make a heavy click, but it sounded like it came from the front drivers side. I tried it several times with the same result. I had my wife get in the drivers seat while I crawled under the RV. I got near the starter and told her to turn the key. The clicking noise was not at the starter solenoid, but was in the front area of the engine. When I moved up that direction and asked my wife to turn the key again, the engine started. I was unable to isolate the problem. It has started every time I've tried since. Anybody have any idea if there is another solenoid or something between the ignition and the starter? I assume it wasn't just the cold weather causing it, and that it's just waiting to bite me when I'm out on the road.

 

There is a solenoid - more like a heavy-duty relay, actually.

Good luck on finding it, I have no idea where they put it on the F53 chassis. But for us Superduty owners, it's on the passenger side inner-fender.

 

Try tracing the battery positive wires. Should lead you to the solenoid.

 

I would clean all connections from bat's to the starter.
The little green men(corrosion) like to live on all these connections! when we leave these things sit for awhile!!!!!!!

Rich