Truck won't Start
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Truck won't Start
I need help fast...
My F-250 died on me last night. It stalled and then I couldn't re-start it. It seems like there isn't enough power getting to the starter. The headlights (highbeams too) are operative, and the vehicle has power, but when you turn the key the solenoid clicks, the starter will try to turn the engine over but won't do it, and all the lights will dim down. I tried jumping it with two sources and recieved no benefit at all, still same situation. It has turned the motor over a few times (twice I almost was able to start the truck) but barely...for the most part it just clicks the solenoid and the starter comes up to the flywheel and doesn't turn the engine over. I wiggled all the battery cables, got under the truck and kinda wiggled the cable to the starter....still no luck. The battery is new (optima from my F-150), I was thinking battery cables, but wiggling them did nothing. It seems like the battery isn't dead because jumping it did nothing, and all the lights turn on bright. However, the lights dim down a lot when you turn the key to try and start it.
My dad says the starter might be causing me problems....what do you guys think?
My F-250 died on me last night. It stalled and then I couldn't re-start it. It seems like there isn't enough power getting to the starter. The headlights (highbeams too) are operative, and the vehicle has power, but when you turn the key the solenoid clicks, the starter will try to turn the engine over but won't do it, and all the lights will dim down. I tried jumping it with two sources and recieved no benefit at all, still same situation. It has turned the motor over a few times (twice I almost was able to start the truck) but barely...for the most part it just clicks the solenoid and the starter comes up to the flywheel and doesn't turn the engine over. I wiggled all the battery cables, got under the truck and kinda wiggled the cable to the starter....still no luck. The battery is new (optima from my F-150), I was thinking battery cables, but wiggling them did nothing. It seems like the battery isn't dead because jumping it did nothing, and all the lights turn on bright. However, the lights dim down a lot when you turn the key to try and start it.
My dad says the starter might be causing me problems....what do you guys think?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
It sounds like it is a definite electrical problem. You have plenty of juice from the battery, but it is having a hard time getting to the starter, judging by the lights dimming as much as they are. Check the ground wire between the engine block and the battery as well, and don't be afraid to pull the cables off and clean the connections - both the cable and the point where they attach. It is still possible that the cables have corroded internally and is creating a very high resistance in the wire itself. Feel the wire when you try to crank it and see if you can feel any heat in it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Pull the starter and the battery (new batteries can be defective) and have them tested at a parts store. If they're both good, then replace the battery cables. Wiggling doesn't do much good if they're corroded internally like EPN says.
If it's an 'almost start' condition, it's one of those three things 99.9% of the time.
If it's an 'almost start' condition, it's one of those three things 99.9% of the time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
Justin,
Per slotcar88, check the ground from the firewall to the head on the passenger side first. This scenario is how I found FTE in the first place. A twist of a 9/16" socket and all was well, after I had replaced the starter and battery. Please check the ground cables first. Good luck.
Tex
Per slotcar88, check the ground from the firewall to the head on the passenger side first. This scenario is how I found FTE in the first place. A twist of a 9/16" socket and all was well, after I had replaced the starter and battery. Please check the ground cables first. Good luck.
Tex
