Strange starting habit

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Feb 1, 2011 | 11:32 AM

mongo12

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Reno, NV

Strange starting habit

Whenever it gets frigid out here in lovely Reno, my truck will not engage the starter until after a few cycles of the key. i dont think its the starter switch in the column because the light check sequence happens and everything works from all the relays down. what usually happens is that when i hit the lucky crank attempt there will be a delay then it will start cranking. could this be the fender mounted solenoid?

Feb 1, 2011 | 11:36 AM

Robbgt

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongo12

could this be the fender mounted solenoid?

Could be, have you tried to jump the solenoid when the issue occurs?

Feb 1, 2011 | 11:53 AM

kawa

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From: Rogue River, OR

It could also be battery terminal connections, Pull the cables and polish the insides of the clamps as well as the posts. Besides from being just cruddy & corroded there could also be moisture between the clamps and the posts. Also check all connections at and to the started. If it continues....have the starter bench tested.

Rog

Last edited by kawa; Feb 1, 2011 at 11:54 AM. Reason: Added info.

Feb 1, 2011 | 12:25 PM

superduty4x4

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Newport, WA

Easy test- with the key on jump the solenoid on the fender with a screwdriver or anything metal. If it spins right off it's probably the solenoid.

Feb 2, 2011 | 12:18 AM

oldbird1965

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2004

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From: AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by kawa

I'm sure he just needs some 'Cadillac Battery Water'.

Feb 2, 2011 | 01:28 AM

kawa

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From: Rogue River, OR

It never hurts Glenn, it never hurts.

Rog

Feb 2, 2011 | 10:13 PM

paddler

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From: Columbia, MD

Suspect the relay, but check...

Click-but-no-crank can be the fender-mounted starter relay. Your symptoms sound like mine, and I left it go until finally no-start, luckily in my driveway when I didn't need the truck for a few days.

I wrote up a check procedure, it's the large message about 2/3 down this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/99...k-problem.html

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Feb 3, 2011 | 11:10 AM

mongo12

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 110

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From: Reno, NV

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with this post. I've been bouncing back and forth between work and school, but i haven't tried the techniques for the solenoid. For the past few days, it has been fine only did it once and that was a slight delay. Will try the solenoid check when it does it again, and when i'm in auto class ill try the battery post cleaning.