No start, only click
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
No start, only click
Hey guys, Have a 2000 ex 7.3 and a couple of days ago I had the batteries die on me. Quick boost and it fired right up, drove it around for the rest of the day no issues at all. Yesterday I had a really hard time with the first start of the day, turned over slowly, but caught itself and fired up. I plugged in my OBDII adapter and fired up Torque on my phone and saw that I had 14.3 V about 30 seconds after the truck started. Took my father to pick up his car about 10 mins away, shut the truck off, and again, it turned over slow, was a hard start. Drove it around for about 45 mins after that and everything seemed great. Today it won't even start...the WTS light comes on, everything sounds and seems normal, then when I go to start the truck it just "clicks"...Turn the headlights on and try to start it, and the lights don't even dim. So I checked and cleaned the battery cables and the starter cable...still no start. Anybody have any advice on what it might be? I'm hoping that its a ground somewhere but wouldn't know where to being looking...any help would be greatly appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 777
Likes: 2
Give the starter a couple love taps...
Can't you also check the solenoid by putting the key to the on position and using a screwdriver to jump the poles on the solenoid? or am I thinking the relay...
Can't you also check the solenoid by putting the key to the on position and using a screwdriver to jump the poles on the solenoid? or am I thinking the relay...
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Plano Texas
With your Diesel over 10 years old for giggles check the 3 wire plug on top of the alternator,the ends going into the connector do dry out over time where the insulation turns to dust and could present a alternator output issue in the near future.
If you have the original starter in the X,I might look into replacing it,not sure if it could be load tested at say Autozone or other auto parts stores but it'd be worth a check
I've done the alternator top connector and starter a couple years back.
On the Diesels I've followed the rule replace the batteries in pairs, whether my batteries are good or bad at 36 months I replace em under warranty,hot Arizona summers tears batteries up!
If you have the original starter in the X,I might look into replacing it,not sure if it could be load tested at say Autozone or other auto parts stores but it'd be worth a check
I've done the alternator top connector and starter a couple years back.
On the Diesels I've followed the rule replace the batteries in pairs, whether my batteries are good or bad at 36 months I replace em under warranty,hot Arizona summers tears batteries up!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of the replies guys. I would have replaced the batteries in pairs, but I managed get get a brand new single one that fell off of a truck, wasn't about to complain that there wasn't a second...haha.
I have replaced the alt. back in November, all of the connectors seemed good when I changed them, but I will go back over all of the connections (easy job) After that, gonna tackle the battery grounds. I'll report back with my findings. Thanks for all the help guys
I have replaced the alt. back in November, all of the connectors seemed good when I changed them, but I will go back over all of the connections (easy job) After that, gonna tackle the battery grounds. I'll report back with my findings. Thanks for all the help guys
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
14.4 volts with a running motor just means your alternator is working; it doesn't mean your batteries are are good. Occam's razor says the simplest is usually right: have your batts been load tested? If not, then that's probably your problem. Hard starts when stopped for several hours most often means one or both batteries are failing. Good luck with it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
It sounds like battery(s) especially when it starts with jump start and 14+ volts once running (alt working). You can also try starting with door open and watch dome lights or turn on headlights and see if you get clic-clic-clic (batt) Vs. Just one clic (which could be starter)
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of your help guys. After doing some troubleshooting yesterday afternoon i've determined it is my starter. Now, I went online looking for starters, and I found 2 and 3 bolt starters. I currently have a three bolt starter, would there be any issue with switching over to the 2 bolt starter?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
With your Diesel over 10 years old for giggles check the 3 wire plug on top of the alternator,the ends going into the connector do dry out over time where the insulation turns to dust and could present a alternator output issue in the near future.
If you have the original starter in the X,I might look into replacing it,not sure if it could be load tested at say Autozone or other auto parts stores but it'd be worth a check
I've done the alternator top connector and starter a couple years back.
On the Diesels I've followed the rule replace the batteries in pairs, whether my batteries are good or bad at 36 months I replace em under warranty,hot Arizona summers tears batteries up!
If you have the original starter in the X,I might look into replacing it,not sure if it could be load tested at say Autozone or other auto parts stores but it'd be worth a check
I've done the alternator top connector and starter a couple years back.
On the Diesels I've followed the rule replace the batteries in pairs, whether my batteries are good or bad at 36 months I replace em under warranty,hot Arizona summers tears batteries up!
Most I return within warranty timeframe. AZ must be a money losing business for battery makers. Even costco lowered their battery warranties now.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Plano Texas
A little off Dave's topic but when I was last in the Santan Costco the battery guy there told me that a few Diesel owners come in to warranty their batteries every 2-3 years, extreme heat and cold are a bear on batteries for sure!
Back to the topic
Back to the topic