Won't start just clicks
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Won't start just clicks
I have a 97 F250 Powerstroke and when I try to start it I hear rapid clicks in the Dash, when I turn the key to start it chugs but wont start. If I keep the key in the run position and arc the posts on the starter relay it starts up and runs just fine. I replaced the starter relay thinking that would solve the problem, but it didn't. The shift lever is solid and it doesn't help to wiggle it or put in neutral. Any ideas? <!-- / message -->
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Medford Oregon
There is a small wire on the starter relay (fender) that just pulls off. When you turn the key to START that wire goes to 12 volts pulling the relay in. You can test the relay by unplugging the wire and jumping the terminal (where the wire was plugged into) to battery plus. Just be careful to have the truck in neutral or park. If it works then there is a problem with the "start" wire and we can go from there.
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I jumped the terminal that had the small wire and the truck started. It will start both ways. Large terrminal to large terminal, and positive terminal to the small terminal
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Madison, WI
Do you hear the rapid clicks with the key in RUN, or in START?
Just for grins, put it in Reverse or Drive (it's an automatic, right?) and confirm that it does NOT try to start then. That is, no noise at all. That will rule out the NSS.
Just for grins, put it in Reverse or Drive (it's an automatic, right?) and confirm that it does NOT try to start then. That is, no noise at all. That will rule out the NSS.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
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From: Medford Oregon
Maybe a bad ignition switch, but I doubt it? The wire you removed (small one) from the starter relay, if you can use a volt meter and measure the voltage when someone turns the key to START. It, of course, should read battery voltage to power the relay. You might just have a bad connector that plugs into that relay, more than likely. Needless to say the relay is OK.
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looks like I had it all wrong. I followed the clicking sound and found a relay under the dash that had worked itself loose. snapped it back into place and everything is working great. Thanks for all your help, It helped me to narrow down the problem one item at a time.
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kirbykoon
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Feb 12, 2013 08:45 AM