THIS IS NOT A FOR SALE THREAD. DO NOT POST REPLIES ASKING TO PURCHASE TRUCK OR PARTS!

I am just sharing the story of our newest EX.

This will be the second vehicle we have found to part out, the first was a 2003 F350 7.3L.

The Details:

2003 Limited V-10 220K miles. Used has a work truck and just died one day and the owner couldn't figure out why. We came in and picked it up for $800. The plan is to see if it will be an easy fix and then we will sell whole, or if it is too much of a repair, we will just part out.




So the truck will not start. I hooked a charger up to it and charged the battery overnight and it seems to be holding a charge well. The starter is fried, so I will be picking up a new one and installing this weekend. You can actually turn the ignition to "ON" without a key, so I think a new ignition will be needed as well.

Here is a video of what the truck is doing when you try to start it.


If we can get it running, it will get a major cleaning both inside and out. I am sure there is a shiny truck somewhere under there. I can't make it look too good because the wife has already expressed interest in it becoming her truck...

 

If it's not rusty and you get it running, then DEFINITELY keep it! $800 is a steal no matter how you slice it.

Could be a bad ignition switch/wiring as you said, especially since you can turn the ignition on without using a key. When you get a new starter try hot wiring it from the starter solenoid and see if it fires up with the key on start/run position. Looks to me like its losing all cranking power when you turn the key.

Use this video for troubleshooting.


Of course make sure you turn the motor over by hand first to make sure she isnt locked up before you go on the adventure above...

 

Sweet, thanks for the video.

It is a shame I don't have the extra cash right now, this would be a great shell for a cummins swap.

 

Following along! By chance does the 6 disk work? Asking for a friend..........

 

Luckily the theft light goes out and isn't flashing, so I don't think you have a PATS issue.

How did you test the battery? Did you load test it? It may have voltage but not have any amps and/or be internally shorted. Battery issues can cause really weird things to go on in these trucks, and that's a pretty cheap battery from Wal-mart. It wouldn't take much to swap in another battery from another vehicle just to see. I'm also wondering if there's any issue with the corroded cable end.

With the battery disconnected, remove the plastic cover on the bottom of the steering column. Put the key to the run position and push the little release latch in the hole on the bottom of the key shaft. Then the ignition switch should pull right out.

While holding the switch, the key should turn like normal in there. There are a couple small metal arms on there that push down, and one may be bent or broken off. I can't tell from your video- does the chime work with the key in and the door open? One of the small metal arms controls this, and if it's bent out just a little too much, it won't chime.

Work or pleasure, I'll never understand how someone can treat a vehicle this way. I mean between the missing leather on the steering wheel and the accumulated brake dust, I just couldn't deal with that.

 

that truck has had a hard life...but the glass alone is worth $800

 

LOL. Not sure yet since we can't get the power thing figured out.

thanks for all the info, I will check the ignition tomorrow. I didn't bench test the battery or anything just use the voltmeter to see it was still holding a charge.

yep, I figured I was pretty safe at that amount.

 

I'm hoping that you get her running. I love watching good troubleshooters doing their thing. The tech folders are my favorites, next to seeing all the awesome builds. Seeing one come back to life, is a joy as well. Patiently waiting.

 

great score. I found a 2002 Limited up here for $1500 with perfect interior...no start condition. probably going to pick up, swap interior with mine and then sell once I have it running
I have a new double din in the mail...may have factory radio and a 6 disk that work available for that friend shortly

 

That friend is looking for the in dash 6 disk

 

Nice score for $800. Sure is damn dirty though

 

That's the classic weak battery trying to start the vehicle symptom. If you are positive the battery is strong, then it's a battery cable problem or it could be a dead short in the starter but with the way I can hear the relays clicking I really don't think so. I would still try to replace the battery even if only with a loaner out of your truck or at the very least see if the behavior changes with jumper cables. You can test the starter directly on the truck with jumper cables and bypass the factory switches and cables.

 

We got the battery charged up and also had a jump box on it just to be sure; the same issues were going on. I can jump the starter and it seems to be working so I don't have to worry about replacing that right now. I will be sending the gauge cluster out to get repaired to see if that is the issue.

 

What happens if you use the battery post trick to try to start it just with the key on? Assuming that's not a diesel only thing.

 

I would start at the starter with the jumper cables. Then move to the starter solenoid and see what happens. I would also check around the upper part of the windshield and also check in where the fuse box is for water intrusion.