My 97 F-150 started doing something very weird today during a long trip...sometimes after a stop when I'd turn the ignition, all the gauges responded normally but absolutely nothing happened (no cranking and the engine didn't start). After several attempts with the same result, all of a sudden it worked perfectly. After the second stop, the problem was worse and took about 20 attempts to start the truck. The battery is about 3 months old and it doesn't seem to be the issue. I would think the starter motor wouldn't act this way even if it were about to go out on me. Any ideas before I take it in to the shop?

Thank you,
Wes

 

Check your other post.

 

Wow, that was great advise. Yeah Wes, check your other post.

hhmmm, wait a minute, what other post???? Huh?

Hm, I'm stumped on that one. I would think that if the starter burned out that it wouldn't work at all and not all of a sudden work. Maybe a solenoid or something? I couldn't tell, not without an electrical tester.

Let us know when you find out, this is a new one to me.

Or you can just check you other post

Tom

 

I'm guessing he posted this on another board. But hey, what do I know? I am smarter than the average bear.

 

If it's a 5- speed, then your switch that tells it the clutch is all the way in may be going bad.If it's an auto , then the same thing may be said for the switch that tells it that it's in neutral or park.

 

I owned a 2001 F-150 with the 4.2 for a while. The key had a chip in it. I jumped in the lake with my keys in my pocket and the truck didn't start until the keys dried out (i was lucky) Does the 97 keys have a chip? If so, try your spare. If the spare experiences problems then a neutral relay switch may be the issue. (I had this happen on an 86 before. It didn't want to start.) This would apply for an automatic transmission. The sensor may not read that the truck is in park or neutral even though it really is. Oh well,
I am reaching here. I hope the problem gets fixed soon.

 

My keys have a slurpy dispenser in them. This is great because I don't have to stop at 711 everyday for a Big Gulp.