Diagnosing starter issue help
Thread Starter
|
Crayon Eater
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 333
Likes: 126
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Diagnosing starter issue help
Gents need a little help before I break out the wallet here. I’m having a intermittent no crank issue that fixes itself after a few key cycles. Sometimes it cranks first cycle, others I get the dunk/clunk noise that I’m assuming is the starter relay under the hood sending power but nothing else. One time I got a super short crank but it stopped while I had the key turned, but most times it’s turn key hear the dunk/clunk and get nothing. Keep clutch in and recycle key until she cranks away.
So I’m thinking it’s the starter solenoid not engaging. So I’m guessing that’s going to mean a new starter?
now it’s been cold and wet so I need to get my lazy butt under her and check the wires to the starter but if they are snug and clean I’m shopping for a starter correct? I mean I could buy a $40 relay but it sounds like by the clunk I’m hearing it’s sending power. I think I read somewhere I can ohm it to rule it out but my shade tree mechanic senses are telling me it’s good.
anyway any advice would be great, thanks Gents, Rye.
Oh and I have new batteries, that said I load tested them individually then topped them off and added a trickle charger to the rig so I am sure it’s not batteries.
So I’m thinking it’s the starter solenoid not engaging. So I’m guessing that’s going to mean a new starter?
now it’s been cold and wet so I need to get my lazy butt under her and check the wires to the starter but if they are snug and clean I’m shopping for a starter correct? I mean I could buy a $40 relay but it sounds like by the clunk I’m hearing it’s sending power. I think I read somewhere I can ohm it to rule it out but my shade tree mechanic senses are telling me it’s good.
anyway any advice would be great, thanks Gents, Rye.
Oh and I have new batteries, that said I load tested them individually then topped them off and added a trickle charger to the rig so I am sure it’s not batteries.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
I would also jump the fender relay to see if that's the problem. Otherwise, I would expect it to be the starter solenoid. A reputable rebuilder should be able to fix it and it might not need a full rebuild. It's also possible that you could replace some parts in the solenoid if you are capable and it's the right kind of solenoid.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Crayon Eater
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 333
Likes: 126
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Ok guys I’ll try to get outside in the next day or so and see what I find, I’ll report back. Thanks
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,355
Likes: 5,947
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Attached is a portion of the FSM with some torque specs for battery cables if you are interested. Also, I have uploaded the starting system pinpoint tests and areas to check or read over to maybe give you some ideas.
Keep us updated.
Keep us updated.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SubieDriver
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
38
Apr 28, 2017 04:28 PM
Singing River Farm
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
18
Jan 25, 2014 03:51 PM
seizure911
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Feb 17, 2008 10:54 PM