Problem starting. Intermitadly

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Aug 13, 2021 | 01:42 PM

Chris Sallaz

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Problem starting. Intermitadly

1994 f150 manual 300 sometimes when I go to start the truck it'll crank once. The key becomes dead. I get no lights on dash turning key repeatedly won't do anything. I then have to unhook negative battery terminal for a few. Reconnect and most times truck will start right up. Other times I have to repeat unhooking battery terminal. I thought was some sort of primitive security system. But after lil research. My make/model/year truck don't have one. What's going on here?? Can I disengage this? Thanks in advance.

Aug 13, 2021 | 03:27 PM

sandymane

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From: Houston/Sugar Land

When you try to start it, if you keep the key on does it continue to turn over until you turn the key off? If no, after it turns over the one time check to see if you have power to dash etc when you turn the key to start but not to run.

Aug 13, 2021 | 04:30 PM

timbersteel

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From: Mexico, Missouri

Common problem with corroded, deteriorating battery cables and the negative cable that runs from the battery to the frame then to the bolt that attaches the starter to the transmission.

You need to check the negative battery cable to what I said and after 25+ years, more than likely it's due for a new cable.

Your answer lies within the fact you have to continue disconnecting and reconnecting the negative cable to the negative post of the battery.

Aug 13, 2021 | 04:50 PM

Chris Sallaz

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Sandyman, no everything goes dead. I've tried just turning the key off and on again but I get nothing. A few months ago I started pumping the clutch a few times before i tried to turn over the truck and that seemed to have solved the issue. But I did an obd scan last week unhooked battery to reset computer/codes. Now I'm having the starting issue again. Had this truck about a year now.

Aug 13, 2021 | 04:51 PM

Chris Sallaz

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Timbersteel. I will take that into consideration and check cable. Thank you for pointing me in a direction.

Aug 13, 2021 | 04:56 PM

sandymane

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From: Houston/Sugar Land

Based on your answer, I think Timbersteel is spot on as your symptoms suggest.

Aug 13, 2021 | 05:07 PM

Chris Sallaz

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Thanks so much folks. I will look into it. Appreciate the attention you gave this.

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Aug 14, 2021 | 11:20 AM

Chris Sallaz

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See what happens

The only obvious place I had seen that was problematic was right at the terminal. And maybe an issue with ground wire from frame of truck to battery. I cut back some of the main battery cable to get to good wire, completely replaced the aforementioned ground wire. It was of 6 wire cable and only three of the lil brass wires were in the attached connector that was bolted to aide of engine bay. Started up after I did these few things so we will see what happens in future. I also added bulb grease to the battery terminal/cable connection to help with conductivity. Again, thanks again for the attention you gave this.