So I have a no crank issue but it's intermittent and worse off the truck has been sitting. I turn my key and the wts light comes on after it does it's thing I turn the key to the start position and nothing. No clicks, nothing. I have to return the key all the way back and remove it and then try again a few times before it will engage the starter. After the first start and the engine come to operating temp the problem goes away.

I tried to search but there are 100s of no crank no start posts and I can't find any that match my problem.

Where do I start testing?

Thanks

 

You have two starter solenoids. One on the fender. Test that you have 12v into that, test that you have 12v at the S terminal when key is in the start position, and test that you have 12v at the load side (10ga-8ga wire to the solenoid on the starter) with key in the start position. This will tell you if they ignition switch is working and if the fender solenoid is working. If no 12v to the S terminal check wiring near the fender for obvious faults, test at the ignition switch with key in start position. If that is good, the problem is the wire from ignition switch to fender solenoid.

If fender solenoid checks out, test for 12v at the terminal on the starter (small terminal) connected to the fender solenoid. You should have 12v with key in run position, repair wiring if not. Check for 12v at the large lug on the starter, and check voltage drop with key in start position. Repair wiring as needed. If all that checks out but the solenoid does not engage (should hear a click from the solenoid engaging, when energized at small terminal) you have a defective solenoid on the starter, replace or repair the solenoid. If Solenoid on the starter clicks to engage and everything else checks out, the problem is with the starter. Check that it has a good ground (grounds to block, check voltage between large lug on starter and starter body), repair wiring as needed. Could also be bad connection between load side of solenoid and the stater. Inspect and clean that connection. Could also be worn out brushes in the starter, worn out commutator. Inspect and clean the brushes and commutator, replace brushes is excessively or abnormally worn.

Could also be a broken or shorted winding in the starter. At this point if you've exhausted everything else that is the most likely problem, but you can test with a multimeter. You can also bench test the starter with jumper cables and a short piece of wire to activate the solenoid. If you got this far you'll be replacing the starter as it is cheaper than having a local shop replace the windings.

Intermittent delayed cranking (hold key, eventually it cranks) more frequently when cold sounds similar to a problem I had with a PowerMaster starter that had weak solenoid windings. not sure if yours will engage if you hold they key for a few seconds but that might be a clue. Unfortunately for the Nippondenso style starters I was unable to find a source for a solenoid winding and PowerMaster was of no help with parts availability. If you have a Mitsubishi planetary reduction style starter the solenoids are readily available as an assembly. Thread here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ermittent.html

 

Holy macaroni thanks for that. I'll start working through it when I have time and report back.