I've searched the forum prior to posting and can't seem to find this problem. My 07 5.4 is having starting issues following being caught in the flood last week in Macomb/Oakland Counties in Michigan. Water was up to the doors. Had to drive home and was in fairly deep water for the better part of about 5 hours. A few days later this started. I turn the key to start the truck, the relay in the kick panel on the passenger side clicks and the starter engages the flywheel but it doesn't crank. The normal auto-crank for a few seconds. If i turn the key and hold it in the start position manually for about 2 seconds, it will crank and start with no problems. Truck runs great otherwise. No water got into the airbox or any of that kinda stuff. I believe the solenoid on the starter was damaged or shorted. Just want to narrow it down before changing it as it's a PITA job to due thanks to the top bolt on the starter. I am thinking the solenoid has an "end switch" that doesn't activate or make on the initial turn and release of the key but slowly makes if the key is held forward feeding power to the solenoid. Anyone else have any feedback on this???
Any help would be great and possibly save me some time and money

 

Can't help you with trouble shooting electronics, but have some tips how to remove/reinstall top bolt on starter.

Remove.

1. Need small mirror on stick to see head of top bolt.
2. Swivel joint and extensions to get to bolt head.

Reinstall.

1. Coat bolt head with something sticky...grease, etc.
2. Strap a 8" extension (if memory serves me right) to top of starter with tie wire at front and back of starter. Place bolt into socket with end of bolt flush or slightly short of starter face.

Now its gets really tricky... CAREFULLY.... raise starter up into void and again, CAREFULLY... install lower bolts loosely to position starter. Again, CAREFULLY... slide ratchet up to top of starter and again, CAREFULLY... engage extension with ratchet ( the end of the extension should be in view if my 8" comment is right)...slowly push until bolt is in the hole. "IF" lower bolts are snugged up enough the top bolt should be centered on hole. Now SLOWLY turn ratchet to start bolt and DO NOT stop turning until you have snugged top bolt, otherwise the socket may slip off bolt and you will be back where you started ,but more frustrated because you were that close.

Hope this helps.