intermittent no crank
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2021
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intermittent no crank
Recently my 2002 F250 SD decided to act like a teenager and not cooperate at times. I have an intermittent no crank. when it acts up, i can keep cycling the key to the start position, I eventually get lucky and she lights off. I bought a service manual (cant find the ignition switch), looking on line, I cannot get a good feel for things. I prefer to have a bit of an idea of what to diagnose, rather than getting the shotgun approach out, (replace shat until it fixes itself).
preface - this is technically my first Ford, I have been a diehard Chevy man all of my 62 years. and I do as much of my own repair work as possible. so yes I'll admit, I am ignorant to all things Ford. but I am teachable. I am a retired (as of 01/04/22) Electronics Technician, hobbyist metal smith, and a proficient mechanic. Please throw the technical stuff at me. LOL
The parts house says that there is a solenoid on the fender - I don't see any? I did find on the "starter wiring diagram" a solenoid. but no control circuit, (wiring from key to starter). I haven't found a location for a starter relay? I feel blind and deaf, any help would be appreciated. A complete wiring diagram would be a great help.
I'm beginning to think that this is some super secret elite thing that I need to learn the secret handshake and earn a secret decoder ring. LOL
preface - this is technically my first Ford, I have been a diehard Chevy man all of my 62 years. and I do as much of my own repair work as possible. so yes I'll admit, I am ignorant to all things Ford. but I am teachable. I am a retired (as of 01/04/22) Electronics Technician, hobbyist metal smith, and a proficient mechanic. Please throw the technical stuff at me. LOL
The parts house says that there is a solenoid on the fender - I don't see any? I did find on the "starter wiring diagram" a solenoid. but no control circuit, (wiring from key to starter). I haven't found a location for a starter relay? I feel blind and deaf, any help would be appreciated. A complete wiring diagram would be a great help.
I'm beginning to think that this is some super secret elite thing that I need to learn the secret handshake and earn a secret decoder ring. LOL
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,679
From: Stephensville WI
A lot of parts house counter jockeys know about older Fords, like where the starter solenoid used to be mounted on the inner fender. Last one I owned that had this feature was a 1995 F-150.
That starter relay thing in the diagram is the solenoid.
Anyway, I would start by checking the neutral safety switch. The next time you don't get a crank, shift to N instead of P. If you suddenly can start the engine you probably need to replace that switch.
That starter relay thing in the diagram is the solenoid.
Anyway, I would start by checking the neutral safety switch. The next time you don't get a crank, shift to N instead of P. If you suddenly can start the engine you probably need to replace that switch.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,134
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Something that is not unheard of (but not really common), but also free to check: are your battery contacts clean and tight? No green or white buildup on them?
Just had a neighbor with of all things a Geo Tracker that would intermittently not start, until finally it wouldn't start at all, but all the dash lights and interior lights worked. Helped him replace the starter with no change to the problem. I happened to look at his battery terminals, tore them apart and cleaned everything, then put it all back together and viola! Fired right up.
Just had a neighbor with of all things a Geo Tracker that would intermittently not start, until finally it wouldn't start at all, but all the dash lights and interior lights worked. Helped him replace the starter with no change to the problem. I happened to look at his battery terminals, tore them apart and cleaned everything, then put it all back together and viola! Fired right up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
I am a retired (as of 01/04/22)
Electronics Technician, hobbyist metal smith, and a proficient mechanic. Please throw the technical stuff at me. LOL
The diagram you found is for the 01 and prior. It doesn't apply to the 02 and newer. The starter relay is in the interior fusebox (CJB). That thing on the starter motor is properly called the starter solenoid.
Start with the easiest. Assuming an automatic transmission, try starting in neutral or wiggling the shifter. A "sloppy" shifter can make the transmission selection erratic and is a common cause of intermittent/no crank.
After that, you'll probably have to grab your meter and make some checks starting at CJB fuse 31 (HOT IN START). Have to half-split the circuit so you don't waste time putzing around in the wrong place,
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