02 7.3 starting problems
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9
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From: Newalla, Ok.
02 7.3 starting problems
for about 3 months now my truck will just not turn over when I turn the key. the lights do not dim when this happens. dealership want to diagnose prob. at 92 dollars an hour. I will keep turning the key it will eventually turn over. problem Is starting to happen at least once a day. was only happening out of the blue like it went 3 months. have no clue where to begin and don't want to get stranded!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 307
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From: thornton CO
Glow plugs and glow plug relay should be your starting point.
Here's a link https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pr-system.html
Here's a link https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pr-system.html
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
Check the connector to your transmission. Make sure contacts are clean and dab a little dielectric grease in there. That takes care of one possible cause. If it does it again, put the truck in neutral and turn the key. There are a couple of bolts under the steering column that can loosen and cause this. There is also an adjustment for getting Park in the right place when you pull on the lever.
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 20
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From: Denver
Does it start in neutral? It could be the Transmission Range Sensor, the one on the side of the tranny. When these act up the lights on the dash come on, lights are great and battery is normal. When you turn the key nothing happens.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,028
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From: Panama City, Fl
If the starter still does not operate after trying it in neutral, I have held the key to start while moving the shifter from park to low to see if the starter engages anywhere.
Make sure you hold the brakes on in case the truck starts when in gear.
This again points to the actual electrical part of the ignition switch that is adjustable. It is on top of the steering column under the dash if these are like so many other Ford's. There is a connecting rod between the key switch and the electrical switch.
Make sure you hold the brakes on in case the truck starts when in gear.
This again points to the actual electrical part of the ignition switch that is adjustable. It is on top of the steering column under the dash if these are like so many other Ford's. There is a connecting rod between the key switch and the electrical switch.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Newalla, Ok.
thx to everyone for the response. I will try the neutral trick next time it happens. Started fine all day. I will go check the tranny switch tomorrow.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
also, look behind the steering column with a flashlight. There are two torx screws (I believe T-20). Mine were very loose and gave me the same symptoms as you. I'll try to find the thread that had pics.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
here is a good picture that Frank just posted.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-warning.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-warning.html
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I had the exact same issue about a month ago. The bolts on the steering column were just a touch loose but nothing bad enough to cause the no start. Eventually, I got a CEL and the OD OFF light was flashing. I happened to be in the area where I got my tranny rebuilt and they pulled the codes. Transmisison Range sensor out of range. (What Lethalthreat7.3 said).
$46 dollars later and 3 minutes under the truck and all is good.
The parts store will have them listed as a Neutral Safety Switch. Odd...cause these are automatics, but oh well. It is the right part.
To change it out tho you must be in neutral, (Check parking brake), put the new sensor on but leave the bolts loose. Make sure the neutral marks line up then snug the bolts down. Clean and add dielectric grease to the connector, plug it in and away you go.
$46 dollars later and 3 minutes under the truck and all is good.
The parts store will have them listed as a Neutral Safety Switch. Odd...cause these are automatics, but oh well. It is the right part.
To change it out tho you must be in neutral, (Check parking brake), put the new sensor on but leave the bolts loose. Make sure the neutral marks line up then snug the bolts down. Clean and add dielectric grease to the connector, plug it in and away you go.
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