We are currently having issues with our 2002 ford E 350 diesel truck. When I go and turn the key it sounds like the starter is not engaging at all. Every now and again it will catch and turn the truck over. I have taken the time to check out the starter relay and it is working and I have also tried the wire to the battery and starter wire and the starter starts. The starter will whine in my mind sounding like the spring that pushes the gears out on the starter shaft inside the starter is shot or that the gear it self is stuck on something or is sticking. Is there a way to clean and lube that shaft that is safe and wont hurt the starter.

I also have a idle control computer in my truck as well it will light up but nothing is working on it any ideas on that as well would be a great help as we are heading into winter and it is starting to get cold out side to do a lot of work on this truck.

not a fan at under the hood work but have learned a lot over the past 3 months thanks to this truck.

 

It really sounds like your starter relay needs to be replaced, if it won't start, but does with a jumper cable to the starter.

It also sounds like time for a new starter, or rebuild at least.

Not sure about your high idle add on computer or whatever, but i had a 2002 7.3 f250, and it automatically went into high idle on it's own when it was cold out.

 

Also your poll doesn't really make sense to me, we all know some new trucks will have an issue, but old trucks will always have ongoing issues and maintenance, otherwise nobody would buy a new one.

A 2002 is over 10 years old, depending on what it's life has consisted of, thats a lot of wear and tear. Some people replace or fix things at the slightest hiccup, others let the truck go to crap then sell it.

 

at what speed can you jump start the truck. The truck is a manual

 

Not 100% sure but any truck I've push started needed about quick walk to a run speed to get it going.

 

HUH???? Okay, I'm a little confused as well. A manual transmission option has not been available on any E-Series vans that I'm aware of, since 1991. If it's an F-Series you mean with a 7.3L engine, if you can push it with the shifter in the 'L' position you won't need to push it any faster than walking speed to get the engine to turn over plenty fast enough when the clutch is released.

And yeah, I agree your poll really doesn't make any sense at all.

 

I say chocolate milk and captain morgan!

 

Nope, don't pull the feathers off until the ailerons are working good.