Starting/Electrical Gremlins -- Need Help
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Starting/Electrical Gremlins -- Need Help
Gremlins, been chasing these buggers for about 6 weeks now. Short version, when its hot (95+) and the truck has been run for a while (45 mins or more) it won't restart after you shut it down. Not turns over and won't start, won't do anything. Turn key on, everything comes on as it should, turn key to start position and absolutely nothing. Here's what's been fixed so far:
Found a dying battery, replaced it.
Found a short in the starter cable between the 2 batteries, replaced it.
Both batteries are good, alternator is good, just pulled the starter/solenoid and had them tested yesterday, its good as well.
I'm running low on ideas and looking for ideas, anyone got anything else I can/should be checking? I'm thinking ignition switch.....maybe? Really out of ideas and can't find anything else wrong. Luckily I usually only drive to and from work, but not being able to stop on the way home to handle regular errands and such is getting old.
2000 F350 CC 4x4 7.3
Found a dying battery, replaced it.
Found a short in the starter cable between the 2 batteries, replaced it.
Both batteries are good, alternator is good, just pulled the starter/solenoid and had them tested yesterday, its good as well.
I'm running low on ideas and looking for ideas, anyone got anything else I can/should be checking? I'm thinking ignition switch.....maybe? Really out of ideas and can't find anything else wrong. Luckily I usually only drive to and from work, but not being able to stop on the way home to handle regular errands and such is getting old.
2000 F350 CC 4x4 7.3
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 453
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From: Dade City, FL
I would use the diagram linked above and a multi-meter to try to figure out where the voltage goes to 0 when the truck is acting up. Have a helper turn the key while you check the starter to see if you're actually getting 12V at the starter and go from there. Maybe the solenoid isn't happy when it gets hot? This is a weird one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 28
From: Mesa AZ
That's what I'm thinking. Used to happen to my race cars all the time.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
The most common failure item when a starter goes on a 2000 is the solenoid ON THE STARTER ITSELF, not the one on the passenger-side inner fender panel.
That item is replaceable separately, and a local rebuilder will have them available. The brushes seem to hold up pretty well, as well as the planetary set and the starter drive gear.
However, if you find that's all that's necessary, it would be a good idea to get some grease into that planetary set, too.
Pop
That item is replaceable separately, and a local rebuilder will have them available. The brushes seem to hold up pretty well, as well as the planetary set and the starter drive gear.
However, if you find that's all that's necessary, it would be a good idea to get some grease into that planetary set, too.
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