Brand new starter doesn’t work
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
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Brand new starter doesn’t work
I’ve got a early 03 7.3 powerstroke with a starting issue. It’s had it for months now and started with just the starter not working when I turned the key once and then worked for weeks. And then it’s happen again and I’d turn the key a few times and it’s go. It progressively got worse to the point the starter just wouldn’t click at all. So I replaced it and it worked perfect for a few weeks. Then the same exact symptoms occurred. I couldn’t find any other possible reason and talked to many people and seemed like it was just a junk rebuilt starter. So I bought a brand new one, same exact issue. It has 12v, fuse is good connection to the starter is good. The only thing that seems to help it is if it’s warmer out, or if I wack it hard, or loosen the mounting bolts and tighten them again. But as it gets into winter it’s barely even working at all. So if anyone has any ideas please lmk bc I am completely stumped I’ve torn through the whole circuit and found nothing
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,855
Likes: 2,332
From: WV
Automatic? Try starting in neutral or pushing up (wiggling around) the shifter.
I don’t think the 03 has a starter solenoid on the fender. Someone else will have to jump in on the later model, but if there is a relay somewhere I would try crossing it.
Check your grounds.
Oh, and welcome to FTE!
I don’t think the 03 has a starter solenoid on the fender. Someone else will have to jump in on the later model, but if there is a relay somewhere I would try crossing it.
Check your grounds.
Oh, and welcome to FTE!
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 66
Automatic? Try starting in neutral or pushing up (wiggling around) the shifter.
I don’t think the 03 has a starter solenoid on the fender. Someone else will have to jump in on the later model, but if there is a relay somewhere I would try crossing it.
Check your grounds.
Oh, and welcome to FTE!
I don’t think the 03 has a starter solenoid on the fender. Someone else will have to jump in on the later model, but if there is a relay somewhere I would try crossing it.
Check your grounds.
Oh, and welcome to FTE!
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,250
Likes: 7,675
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
I’ve got a early 03 7.3 powerstroke with a starting issue. It’s had it for months now and started with just the starter not working when I turned the key once and then worked for weeks. And then it’s happen again and I’d turn the key a few times and it’s go. It progressively got worse to the point the starter just wouldn’t click at all. So I replaced it and it worked perfect for a few weeks. Then the same exact symptoms occurred. I couldn’t find any other possible reason and talked to many people and seemed like it was just a junk rebuilt starter. So I bought a brand new one, same exact issue. It has 12v, fuse is good connection to the starter is good. The only thing that seems to help it is if it’s warmer out, or if I wack it hard, or loosen the mounting bolts and tighten them again. But as it gets into winter it’s barely even working at all. So if anyone has any ideas please lmk bc I am completely stumped I’ve torn through the whole circuit and found nothing
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 396
Likes: 171
I'd start with powers and ground at the starter. I'd want to see what the cranking voltage is at the starter in this case.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
What is the condition of your batteries? Charge them up and have them load tested. 12v is not near what you need to even 'start' to 'start' to get it started...... (your glow plugs when they come on will pull the bats down well below 12v)
Look at the starter cable.... a green color is not good. You are not getting enough power to the starter or not grounded good enough. imo.
Your first starter I think was fine.
Look at the starter cable.... a green color is not good. You are not getting enough power to the starter or not grounded good enough. imo.
Your first starter I think was fine.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,855
Likes: 2,332
From: WV
Originally Posted by Truckwardo
Park neutral switch can cause the issue. Push the lever up and try to start. Then try in neutral. If it's starts. Replace Park neutral switch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 523
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
I'm curious what brand starter are you using?
I recently had a similar issue on my 03. every once in a while it didn't want to start, then it got to the point it was every time. I would have to jump the wires on the starter until it would properly turn over. then I could start it from the ignition.
Luckily I keep important spare parts in case of emergencies. went to replace my Denso starter with a backup denso. When pulling out the one that had been installed, I noticed the ring terminals needed some lovin. cleaned them up and put the new starter in. after replacement, i've been curious if it was just the connections. I'll just buy a kit from larry b's, clean it up and keep it as a spare
obviously. little different situation but thought I'd share a similar experience.
the others have you covered but if it's not oem or denso, I wouldn't trust it. it could possibly be a defective starter too but probably not in this case.
I recently had a similar issue on my 03. every once in a while it didn't want to start, then it got to the point it was every time. I would have to jump the wires on the starter until it would properly turn over. then I could start it from the ignition.
Luckily I keep important spare parts in case of emergencies. went to replace my Denso starter with a backup denso. When pulling out the one that had been installed, I noticed the ring terminals needed some lovin. cleaned them up and put the new starter in. after replacement, i've been curious if it was just the connections. I'll just buy a kit from larry b's, clean it up and keep it as a spare
obviously. little different situation but thought I'd share a similar experience.
the others have you covered but if it's not oem or denso, I wouldn't trust it. it could possibly be a defective starter too but probably not in this case.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 523
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
If I read correctly; I was asked if I could share a link to the larry b's HD solenoid rebuild kit
This is typically all that fails on the denso starter or cheap chinese knockoffs. Larry has other parts, brushes if needed as well
This is typically all that fails on the denso starter or cheap chinese knockoffs. Larry has other parts, brushes if needed as well
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