Help troubleshoot starting problem??
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Llano, Texas
Help troubleshoot starting problem??
I have a 2001 F250 7.3L, and several days ago I came home with my other truck and parked the other truck and went inside and I hear my other truck this 2001 self starting on its own and I run out and check and the alternator is really hot and I grab tools and disconnect battery and alternator quickly. I knew the alternator was fried, and thought the starter might be fried, too. I replace the alternator and took the starter to test it out, and the starter is fried...I replace starter, too. So, now I have replaced both alternator and starter, but it still will not start. I am thinking maybe check the fuse panel, but not sure if any fuses help with starting? I have heard of people having their truck burn up before when the alternator shorts out, but it had never happened to me until now. So, what might be my problem with it not starting?? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
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Senior User
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From: Llano, Texas
Installed new starter solenoid...it just clicks...
The new solenoid just makes that clunk sound, and another mechanic friend says he thinks they sold me a bad solenoid?? Any thoughts on what you might have3 experience with are much appreciated.
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Denver
Have you tried to jump across the new solenoids terminals to see if the starter tries to engage? Use a heavy gauge wire( builds heat fast) and see if starter tries to turn. If it does you got a junk solenoid.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Montana
you talking about the selenoid on the fender right?
new or old I would think it would still start if the batteries are good.
I had trouble once and it turned out to be one bad battery. just wasn't enough juice I guess. I had other things running off it but still was weird at the time.
alt shouldnt have anything to do with starting. and sure is hard to think the starter or selenoid both being new would be bad too. but you just never know.
good luck
new or old I would think it would still start if the batteries are good.
I had trouble once and it turned out to be one bad battery. just wasn't enough juice I guess. I had other things running off it but still was weird at the time.
alt shouldnt have anything to do with starting. and sure is hard to think the starter or selenoid both being new would be bad too. but you just never know.
good luck
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 727
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From: Chariton, IA
They could have sold you a bad solenoid. Have you checked the batteries? you need at least 10.5 volts WHILE cranking to fire. just because they show 12 volts doesn't mean they're good either. have them load tested, most auto parts stores will do this for free. They can show 12v then as soon as a load is put on them they can drop to low to turn over the engine.
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Senior User
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From: Llano, Texas
I jumpered across solemoid terminals it cranks
I jumpered across the terminals and the engine cranks over real smooth, so I guess I got a new bad solenoid. I will return it to O'Reilly auto parts, and put another new solenoid on the fender well and see if it starts. The batteries are brand new and only 10 months old, and I put my battery charger on the batteries and let them charge up for 24 hours. I will keep you posted.
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Senior User
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From: Llano, Texas
Exchanged new bad solenoid and it starts now...
Went back to O'rielly's Auto parts and exchanged bad solenoid, and after putting the 2nd new solenoid on the truck...it finally starts now. I am going to google search what causes these trucks to start cranking on there own...the auto parts guy said he thought that it was a starter solenoid going bad that caused them to start cranking on their own which usually leads to them catching on fire. Thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 727
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From: Chariton, IA
Went back to O'rielly's Auto parts and exchanged bad solenoid, and after putting the 2nd new solenoid on the truck...it finally starts now. I am going to google search what causes these trucks to start cranking on there own...the auto parts guy said he thought that it was a starter solenoid going bad that caused them to start cranking on their own which usually leads to them catching on fire. Thanks.
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Senior User
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From: Llano, Texas
I googled it up and got an answer...
A mechanic on google said he has seen it happen many times, and it is almost always a bad solenoid that is stuck in the open/closed position which allows the engine to self crank...this also places a ton of heat and strain on the alternator and starter often causing a fire. Thanks for the help.
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