New member here... patience is appreciated... I searched but didn't find a recent thread regarding starter issues.

Symptom is that starter fails to engage and "free-spins" very occasionally. After it became a more frequent problem I took it to Ford but it would not fail and no indication of any other issue.

I chose to replace the starter (at 45K miles) since the mechanism to engage the starter is contained within the starter housing. I noticed a small amount of oil present leaking from the starter gear train and assumed the issue was a dry/sticky shaft.

Now we are 2 months later with a new (not rebuilt) Ford $400+ starter and the same symptom has presented itself again. It failed to engage ("free spin") 1 time about a week ago but is continuing to start normally. No grinding, and truck starts immediately on first crank every time... When the starter engages.

Thoughts, observations, suggestions???

 

Well that's a bummer. No, I haven't heard anything about the starters. It sucks when you can't duplicate the problem for the service tech.

 

I was thinking possible grounding issue but I guess since it free spins it's not that and instead mechanical.
Just thinking out loud...

 

that starter will have a 24 month warranty.

What about the batteries. Load test them things.

 

Thanks guys! We load tested the batteries during Ford's troubleshooting effort but I noticed acid on top of both batteries last evening so will clean them up and check the electrical further... (We've been in Surprise, AZ the past 5 months... Hmmm, AZ is dry, warm and the only location the symptom has shown up)

 

Where's my manners...Welcome to FTE.

Like Scott said, I would pursue a warranty on that starter before it expires. Good luck.

 

Mine did this for the first time yesterday. I'm at 20k. It was more than free spin though and sounded like it was trying to engage. Did it twice and then engaged. It must have been loud outside because this guy was walking right in front of my truck when I cranked it and he jumped. The second time he just looked back, smiled and got in his Ram.

 

Welcome to FTE! The starter on my '11 has done that about a half dozen times or so. I just figure it's a fluke. I pulled it initially to look at it and it appears fine. When it gets more frequent, I'll replace it.

 

I was reading on another forum about some guys having the same issues.Don't know the end result,They were taking them into the dealer.

 

Probably the bendix on starter.

 

My 2015 has 23,000 miles and this has happened to me twice so far.
The first time it did not engage (grinds), so I turned the key off and tried again and it started normally.
The second time it happened twice, and then started normally on the third turn of the key.
I know it is one of those things that won't happen if I take it in to have it checked out.
Not sure what to do about it. I guess I'll wait until it completely fails me and leaves me stranded somewhere.

 

Hi Twofish,

I know that intermittent issues can definitely be frustrating; if it happens again, be sure to mention it to your dealership so they can both document and diagnose. Additionally, I'll help out by notifying your regional customer service manager. I noticed that you don't have many posts yet, so if you don't have PM access, feel free to send an email to custserv@ford.com. This account isn't actively monitored, so please put my name ("Crystal") in the subject line and post here once you've sent the message. When writing, please include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership.

Crystal

 

Thank you very much. I will send that email right away.

 

Thanks Crystal. I sent the email.

 

I have a 2012 F350 Larriot dual wheel 4x4. Starter problem same as yours. Occasional spin with no engagement. New starter made no difference. It may go for as much as a month or 4 times in a week?????