Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

New starting issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 29, 2023 | 10:28 PM
  #1  
spotana98's Avatar
spotana98
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Angry New starting issue

Hi all. Somewhat of a newbie here. '67 F250 RWD has been starting and running, ever since I dropped an engine in it last year. I ended up putting an aftermarket stereo in it that was "always on". Eventually, it managed to run the battery down. Two days ago I jump started it without any issue. However, when I went to start it again, nothing happened. I disconnected the stereo completely, and grabbed the jumper cables. This time, however, when I put the cables on the truck, it started turning over. It did this every single time. I cycled the ignition key back and forth a few times and tried it again. I bought a new cylinder because there have been a couple times when turning off the key, didn't shut off the engine. Truck still turned over but would not start. I had a new ignition cylinder and key set, so I swapped it out. This time, when I put the cables on, it didn't try to turn over, but it arced super bad, every single time. I'm kind of at a loss. The starter relay next to the battery is only a year old, but could it possibly be stuck? Has anyone had this succession of issues? I checked all connections and all seemed to be tight, so I don't know what changed. Any ideas?

Thank you in advance!
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2023 | 10:35 AM
  #2  
RTT's Avatar
RTT
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 106
From: COSMOS
Total fast guess is you have a ground wire connected in wrong place or missing...........
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2023 | 11:36 AM
  #3  
GPatrick's Avatar
GPatrick
Tuned
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 413
Likes: 52
Sounds like you've managed to weld the contactor together inside the starter solenoid. Check for continuity from the battery side to the starter side with the battery disconnected. It should be an open circuit. By continuing to try to start it you may have burned up the starter. If the solenoid has a short between battery in and starter out (the big posts) it must be replaced. With a full charge the starter may now spin but if it doesn't spin right away with a new solenoid, turn the key off immediately or you'll weld another solenoid. If the starter doesn't spin, disconnect the starter from the solenoid and turn the key to start. You should hear the solenoid engage. If you have a helper check continuity across the big terminals with and without the starter switch engaged.

Repeated attempts to start with a compromised battery at low voltage can lead to very high currents that will melt or fuse anything in its path. Run a battery tender when not in use or disconnect the stereo with a switch. You'll lose your presets but prevent melt downs.
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2023 | 02:21 PM
  #4  
spotana98's Avatar
spotana98
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Originally Posted by GPatrick
Sounds like you've managed to weld the contactor together inside the starter solenoid. Check for continuity from the battery side to the starter side with the battery disconnected. It should be an open circuit. By continuing to try to start it you may have burned up the starter. If the solenoid has a short between battery in and starter out (the big posts) it must be replaced. With a full charge the starter may now spin but if it doesn't spin right away with a new solenoid, turn the key off immediately or you'll weld another solenoid. If the starter doesn't spin, disconnect the starter from the solenoid and turn the key to start. You should hear the solenoid engage. If you have a helper check continuity across the big terminals with and without the starter switch engaged.

Repeated attempts to start with a compromised battery at low voltage can lead to very high currents that will melt or fuse anything in its path. Run a battery tender when not in use or disconnect the stereo with a switch. You'll lose your presets but prevent melt downs.

Absolute genius! Replaced the Starter Solenoid, charged the battery off of the truck, and it started right up! I was hoping it wasn’t going to be something complex or require trying to find a part that’s practically nonexistent.

Thank you again, for all of your insight!

 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2023 | 07:06 PM
  #5  
GPatrick's Avatar
GPatrick
Tuned
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 413
Likes: 52
The quick fix is to tap on the solenoid with a hammer to dislodge it. But, if it stuck once it will stick again - usually just as the engine starts and then the starter won't disengage. Replacing it was the right move. Glad the starter survived.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DattMavis
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Sep 15, 2015 12:04 PM
Raider50
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Jul 7, 2014 08:42 AM
jakes29
Bronco II
7
Mar 30, 2004 01:59 PM
con400
1997 - 2003 F150
6
Feb 2, 2003 10:04 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:40 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE