2011 6.7L Starter Issue
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Full time RVer
2011 6.7L Starter Issue
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???
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???
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Full time RVer
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)
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 463
Likes: 1
From: San Marcos, TX
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.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,169
Likes: 16,002
From: Wisconsin
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.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
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.
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.
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
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.
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.
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
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
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
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
