strange problem starting
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: The Hammer
strange problem starting
k, this has happened twice at the same gas station.
i turn off my van in park, like normal, and proceed to fill my tank i then proceed to pay and whatnot and when i get in to go, i turn the key and everything comes on like normal, but i get no crank whatsoever, nothing.
so, i have to break the law and take out my trusty screwdriver and jump it across the solenoid, i really dont like to do this, since last time i got in **** from the attendent.
anywho, any help would be great!
i turn off my van in park, like normal, and proceed to fill my tank i then proceed to pay and whatnot and when i get in to go, i turn the key and everything comes on like normal, but i get no crank whatsoever, nothing.
so, i have to break the law and take out my trusty screwdriver and jump it across the solenoid, i really dont like to do this, since last time i got in **** from the attendent.
anywho, any help would be great!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Sounds like a heat failure of the solenoid. If you can jump it it's getting weak. Also check your cable ends, if they are looking tough and corroded go ahead and change them too, all the way to the starter.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: northwest
my starter used to stick on!
what fun that was, listening to it grind away at the flywheel while I yanked desperatly at the battery cable.
it was the $10 solenoid. it got so bad that I would keep the starter cable disconnected from it, and I would start the motor from the outside by touching the cable to the hot side of the solenoid untill it started. that got real old real fast with the wife. she made me replace it. all for the better I guess!
what fun that was, listening to it grind away at the flywheel while I yanked desperatly at the battery cable.
it was the $10 solenoid. it got so bad that I would keep the starter cable disconnected from it, and I would start the motor from the outside by touching the cable to the hot side of the solenoid untill it started. that got real old real fast with the wife. she made me replace it. all for the better I guess!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
The starter can hang up in the start position which will cause a grinding noise because the starter gear is still engaged or partially engage on the flywheel. But if you are pulling the battery cable off and the starter disengages right away it still sounds like a bad solenoid. It is possible to get bad electrical components even new. I would just pick up another solenoid they are inexpensive.
I would be real carefull about having something spark too close to the battery, had one out of a vehicle charging it and it blew up on me. Makes me glad I have poor vision and need glasses, cost me a trip to a sink for a fifteen minute soak and a trip to the hospital for more soaking and washing. But no damage.
I would be real carefull about having something spark too close to the battery, had one out of a vehicle charging it and it blew up on me. Makes me glad I have poor vision and need glasses, cost me a trip to a sink for a fifteen minute soak and a trip to the hospital for more soaking and washing. But no damage.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I had the same problem with my '93 4.0 xlt.
When starting, try turning the key very very slowly from the "on" position to the "start" position. Mine would start if I could "find" the exact position on the key switch to make good electrical contact.
There seemed to be a bad connection in the ignition key switch, but I replaced the ignition switch (white rectangular plastic box with wire harness connector, located under the dash on the left side of the steering column, $20 part at Autozone, $45 at dealer) but still have the problem. It is itermittant and sometimes works fine.
I haven't replaced the starter solenoid switch, but will do tomorrow. Already replaced the ignition key column/barrel tumbler switch previously.
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but Anybody else have suggestions for us?
When starting, try turning the key very very slowly from the "on" position to the "start" position. Mine would start if I could "find" the exact position on the key switch to make good electrical contact.
There seemed to be a bad connection in the ignition key switch, but I replaced the ignition switch (white rectangular plastic box with wire harness connector, located under the dash on the left side of the steering column, $20 part at Autozone, $45 at dealer) but still have the problem. It is itermittant and sometimes works fine.
I haven't replaced the starter solenoid switch, but will do tomorrow. Already replaced the ignition key column/barrel tumbler switch previously.
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but Anybody else have suggestions for us?
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I replaced the starter relay switch today! It's the one under the hood on side of the engine bay next to the battery.
Still the same problem! It will not start. The Starter Motor & Solenoid is good because it starts every time by "jumping" the starter relay.
This problem seems to be intermittant. Sometimes it will work, sometimes not at all.
Have already replaced the plastic ignition switch box on the lower steering column and the key/ignition switch.
All fuses have been checked and are good.
Also, when I do start it by jumping the starter relay, the engine will NOT TURN OFF or STOP RUNNING if the key is Turned Off!!!
This is when the Fuel Pump Inertial Switch is connected and in the Normal (button down) position!!! If the Inertia Switch is disconnected or in the "Triggered" or "button up" position, the engine will turn off with the key turned off!
Any Help Would Be Appreciated!!! TIA!
PS Read my post above for more info.
Still the same problem! It will not start. The Starter Motor & Solenoid is good because it starts every time by "jumping" the starter relay.
This problem seems to be intermittant. Sometimes it will work, sometimes not at all.
Have already replaced the plastic ignition switch box on the lower steering column and the key/ignition switch.
All fuses have been checked and are good.
Also, when I do start it by jumping the starter relay, the engine will NOT TURN OFF or STOP RUNNING if the key is Turned Off!!!
This is when the Fuel Pump Inertial Switch is connected and in the Normal (button down) position!!! If the Inertia Switch is disconnected or in the "Triggered" or "button up" position, the engine will turn off with the key turned off!
Any Help Would Be Appreciated!!! TIA!
PS Read my post above for more info.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xc4jokestomper
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Aug 11, 2012 11:45 AM
zrt600guy
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Dec 1, 2009 09:36 PM