Trying to track down an issue (annoyance) I'm having with my 02 7.3 4x4 excursion. When I get in the truck and turn the key (after waiting for glow plugs) the starter doesn't actually turn over for 1-3 seconds and sometimes up to 5. When the truck does turn over everything works perfect it's just an annoying delay. I haven't been able to find a similar problem online. Has anyone experienced this?

 

Sounds like a relay going out. How Relays Work | Relay diagrams, relay definitions and relay types

They can slow down and delay working when they are starting to die.

Can you hear the solenoid going off, or is that part of the delay?

 

Mark your starting relay and then switch it with any other. I believe they are all the same.


If it fires right p, replace the one you marked.


Denny

 

The truck has over 300K, I will replace the relay and report back.

 

Hope you have success.


(BTW, this is a brotherhood. Share your success we will get this figured out. I look at it this way. If I can't resolve an issue with my rig through these brilliant diehards, I would be by the tracks)

 

Relay has been replaced and the problem appears to have gone away. However, it has been ridiculously warm so I will wait until it gets back below freezing to know for sure.

 

Had a brisk morning today and when I went to crank the truck it took a solid 3 seconds from the time I turned the key until the starter kicked in. Where should I look next? Starter?

 

When it does crank, does it crank over sharply, or is it a gradual speeding up? Do you hear the solenoid click when you turn the key right away?

 

Unless you have very low battery voltage, suspect the starter.

They often degrade, spin slower, even parasitic drain on battery (as mine was this summer).

The one thing to check first, though is the top bolt in the starter housing. It tends to work loose. It could bind or compromise the starter ground.

 

When it cranks it's perfect. Wraps right over and starts the truck with no issue, like it should minus the delay. I do not hear a click but I dont hear much over the vacuum pump.

Batteries are darn near brand new interstates. I think voltage was 12.7 before I went to crank this morning. I'll check that bolt out.

 

It has taken me awhile to get around to the cranking issue. It was 100% the starter. Replaced it with a new one and not a single hesitation since. Thanks for the help!

 

I don't think that you needed to buy a whole starter, I believe that it was the solenoid ON the started that was sticking. They are not too hard to replace and would have been around half the cost.

Denso Starter Contacts, starter repair kits, starter solenoid parts, solenoid contacts, starter repair

 

Don't disagree one bit as the solenoid ripped in half when I attempted to disconnect the positive lug. However, I've been wanting to go with the larger body 3 bolt style and this was the perfect opportunity!

 

Buy the new one and repair the old one for a spare.