short on starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16
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From: Michigan
short on starter
Here's the problem - occasionally when I go to start my truck, the relay will click, but the starter won't engage. If I crawl under the truck and wiggle a wire that is on the passenge side on the front of the starter, she'll crank right over when I try again. Will replacing this wire solve the problem? I can't really see where this wire goes - does it go directly to the relay?
I am thinking about putting a new starter in because it's the orginal on this '94 f150. When I do this, should I replace the negative battery cable as well?
Here's another question - the negative cable looks like it goes to the block and then a wire comes from the block to the starter. Is this right or does the cable go directly the starter? It is kind of tight in there and the wires are bundled together with tape and I can't tell for sure what the deal is.
Thanks,
Bill
I am thinking about putting a new starter in because it's the orginal on this '94 f150. When I do this, should I replace the negative battery cable as well?
Here's another question - the negative cable looks like it goes to the block and then a wire comes from the block to the starter. Is this right or does the cable go directly the starter? It is kind of tight in there and the wires are bundled together with tape and I can't tell for sure what the deal is.
Thanks,
Bill
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 44
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From: near harrisburg
short on starter
If you do change the starter then do not forget to swap the relay too..I do believe the battery-to-starter cable is routed to the through the relay. I would replace the cable if you suspect it.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
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From: Live Oak, FL
short on starter
Does this truck have the starter selenoid on the firewall or on the starter?
I doubt if you have a short, otherwise you would be getting arcing and snapping and zapping noises whenever you turned the key. You probably have an open circuit somewhere.
If you are talking about wiggling the big thick wire that connects to the starter motor then most likely you have a loose or corroded connection at one end of the wire or the other or the cable is almost corroded through near where the connector crimps onto the cable.
A bad starter selenoid will also make it click when you try to start it, but usually that is not intermittant and usually it doesn't help to wiggle the wire.
Bad brushes in the starter will also make it click, but again that usually it doesn't make it go away when you wiggle the wire.
Clean and check the connections and if that doesn't do it, replace the cable.
As far as the ground wire goes, I've seen them ran both ways. Maybe if you could tell us what year, model and engine you have someone can check their truck and give you an answer.
I doubt if you have a short, otherwise you would be getting arcing and snapping and zapping noises whenever you turned the key. You probably have an open circuit somewhere.
If you are talking about wiggling the big thick wire that connects to the starter motor then most likely you have a loose or corroded connection at one end of the wire or the other or the cable is almost corroded through near where the connector crimps onto the cable.
A bad starter selenoid will also make it click when you try to start it, but usually that is not intermittant and usually it doesn't help to wiggle the wire.
Bad brushes in the starter will also make it click, but again that usually it doesn't make it go away when you wiggle the wire.
Clean and check the connections and if that doesn't do it, replace the cable.
As far as the ground wire goes, I've seen them ran both ways. Maybe if you could tell us what year, model and engine you have someone can check their truck and give you an answer.
Last edited by Bubba Shrimp; May 19, 2003 at 12:20 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
short on starter
A '94 V-8 will have a solenoid on the starter AND a relay on the inner fender by the battery. The main power to the starter goes from the battery directly to the starter, and that cable is specially molded with lots of built-in connectors, so replacing it can be a pain. It can be done using standard parts-store replacement cables, but you have to understand the circuit before you start hooking stuff up. Check the wiring diagram in the Haynes manual.
If it's a 4.9L, it ONLY has the relay.
If it's a 4.9L, it ONLY has the relay.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Michigan
short on starter
This truck is the 5.8 and has the relay on the firewall by the battery. The wire that I wiggle is fairly small in diameter and looks to have some sort of push/pull connector. As I have never messed around with one of these, I am hesitant to yank on it for fear of breaking it (like the first time I changed plug wires and broke the stock wire separator).
Bill
Bill
