Starter just clicks
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 274
Likes: 4
From: British Columbia
Starter just clicks
95 f-159 5.0 auto. Having a problem with starter, if the truck sits for awhile all I get is the solenoid clicking.
The only way I can start it is to crawl under and short the starter solenoid.
Doesn't do it all the time, any suggestions, I'm tired of crawling under in the dirt
The only way I can start it is to crawl under and short the starter solenoid.
Doesn't do it all the time, any suggestions, I'm tired of crawling under in the dirt
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 274
Likes: 4
From: British Columbia
I was going to clean all the contacts today. Truck started fine but when I shut it off now it's a no go.
When I cross the contacts on the starter solenoid like I have been doing, all I get is clicks and sparks.
Is the starter shot?
When I cross the contacts on the starter solenoid like I have been doing, all I get is clicks and sparks.
Is the starter shot?
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 29
From: NE Ohio
Wouldn't be a bad idea to clean all contacts, from the battery terminals, to the solenoid, to the starter, including engine grounds. If your still having problems and suspect the starter, yank it and take it to autozone, the diagnose for free.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 138
From: Manassas, VA
I would first do what Glaser said - clean every electrical/ground connection thoroughly. Next, take a test light and make sure you have constant 12V to the battery side of the starter solenoid. Next check if the test light lights up the other side of the solenoid when the key is turned to the START position. If that checks out then the solenoid is good, and it may be a starter issue.
I was chasing down the same issue with my 1988 Bronco - turning the key would just get a big CLICK from the solenoid and it wouldn't turn over. I figured it was the starter but the above procedure saved me from buying a new parts store starter that probably would have failed in a few years... Turned out I wasn't getting power to the starter side of the solenoid - replaced it and it cranks over strong.
I was chasing down the same issue with my 1988 Bronco - turning the key would just get a big CLICK from the solenoid and it wouldn't turn over. I figured it was the starter but the above procedure saved me from buying a new parts store starter that probably would have failed in a few years... Turned out I wasn't getting power to the starter side of the solenoid - replaced it and it cranks over strong.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 138
From: Manassas, VA
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 274
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From: British Columbia
What is driving me nuts is it started 4 or 5 times this morning. I was just going to move it to the ramps to get under and it won't go. Other times I could cross the poles on the starter solenoid and it would go.
It's now sitting in a puddle of wet snow, I'm worried it may not even burn.
It's now sitting in a puddle of wet snow, I'm worried it may not even burn.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 274
Likes: 4
From: British Columbia
Thanks for all the suggestions. I finally bit the bullet and layed in the slush and pulled the starter.
The main power wire was loose, couldn't tell till I pulled the starter.
Works now!
The main power wire was loose, couldn't tell till I pulled the starter.
Works now!
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