Hi I have a 2006 F150 STX auto trans with the 4.2L V6 that has been having intermitent starting problems. It has 98,000 miles on it. It will start fine 99% of the time but sometimes when I turn the key the starter will grind once or twice then it can go a few weeks with out doing it at all. Then also sometimes it will crank turning over for several seconds but wont start. Then it starts fine the rest of the time. This has happened several times but only happens once every few weeks or so. Just trying to see if it needs a new starter or if its something else. Has any body else had a similiar issue? It has a new battery.

 

I too have a 2006 with a intermitant grind while starting on 35 k on truck...
always starts the second time. I did unplug the input to the coil and cranked engine for a minute 2 times. letting it start inbetween and burn off fuel. not sure if it has helped but has not done it yet.... which is no proof until I go a month with out issue. any ideas. I realize it is either a starter problem or ring gear. my thought was there may be a couple teeth not perfect and by giving the starter a chance to fully engage the flywheel for several spins without starting it may help...

 

My cranking of the starter trick seems to have worked. The starter has not ground since.

 

I believe I cured the problem still no grinding. 1-25-2013