1998 F150 just clicks when started

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Feb 15, 2011 | 06:43 AM

Jrakar

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1998 F150 just clicks when started

Got a 1998 F150 with 117k on it. Went to start it last night and all it did was one click. Tried it again and all I got was a click. Tried several times and that was it just a click. Lights work, radio comes on, ect. Tried it again and it fired up. Popped the hood looked at the connections on the battery and they look great. No white stuff and they were tight. The terminals still had the red stuff on them. I took a volt meter and it read 12.5 volts. Pulled the cover off of the selonid and they connections look good and tight also. Looking for suggestions.

Feb 15, 2011 | 08:26 AM

phil6608

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From: Stanton DE

Sounds like the starter is on it's way out.

How old is the battery?

Feb 15, 2011 | 11:02 AM

Ron W.

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From: Stockton Ca.

Start at the battery and follow the positive cable, I believe your truck has a starter relay on the firewall.

Feb 15, 2011 | 12:05 PM

Jrakar

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Yes it does and I have checked all of the connections on it. They are all clean and tight.

Feb 15, 2011 | 12:25 PM

BURNSTOUGHFORD

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From: Iowa

take a small hammer and tap the starter all over, and try to start it again. Sounds like its the solenoid on the starter to me.

sometimes a small bump can get them going for temporary use.

Feb 16, 2011 | 03:02 PM

sigsr01

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Might as well change em rather then tapping it, while it still work drive to autoparts and buy starter. If its your only ride, it will be bad situation once the starter goes out.

But then again it seems like is just a battery needing to be replace.