Sudden no start condition
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Sudden no start condition
'88 F150, 4.9L, stick -- For the last few days the starter has made a grinding sound on the first attempt to start in the morning. The second attempt always works without problem. The truck runs great and you can shut off and start it throughout the day. The grinding sound has been getting more frequent though. The starter, relay and battery were all replaced three months ago and I have not noticed any electrical problems until TODAY. While driving to work, the wiper blades slowed down to a halt and the battery charge indicator went all the way to the left. I turned off my headlights and radio and the charge indicator and wiper speed returned to normal. When I tried to start the truck right after shutting it off it did not turn over. No starter grind, no fuel pump sound, nothing. The headlights are still bright and all the cab electricals including stereo are still strong.
I will have a chance to test components on the weekend. For now I checked all connections but found nothing loose/corroded. Does it sound like a problem with the alternator? relay? suggestions???
I will have a chance to test components on the weekend. For now I checked all connections but found nothing loose/corroded. Does it sound like a problem with the alternator? relay? suggestions???
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Starter is from Lordco. I guess I can get it bench tested. I believe the alternator is original (likely suspect?). I will go over all the connections again and test the starter/alternator. Thanks for the help so far...
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I would check the output terminals on the alternator. This truck should have a model 2G alternator that uses a plug in type terminal rather than a stud. These are notorious for losing tension and becoming loose thus generating lots of heat and shorting. In fact anytime you replace the alternator the terminal block should be change. Some of the aftermarket have even gone to making replacement rectifiers that allow you to cut the original terminal block off and use eyelets as they have made it with a 1/4 inch stud. But even most parts store now even include a replacement plug that must be install or the warranty on the new unit is voided.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I don't think it is as it has only happened on the cooler mornings/days. When the temperature is above 8 degrees celcius the problem has not happened. Someone also mentioned I should check the belt driving the alternator for slack. I guess if it is loose, the battery might not be charging the way it should (harder to start in cold), and it might partly explain the brief no-charge condition yesterday.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Yesterday, after leaving the truck sitting for 24 hours (since the no start condition), it started without problem. I did nothing. Today I checked and cleaned all conditions. The first time I tried to start the truck, the started made a grinding noiese. When I tried again, it was fine. Shut off and started the truck another 5 times without problem but I see my charge indicator is way to the right side. The alternator is original so I am going to swap it out. I have already done the starter, relay, and battery. May as well take care of the other major electrical component right??
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
If the starter waas a rebuild then you may still need to go back and replace it too. I went thru several rebuilts from Autozone before paying the extra for a NEW starter and haven't had a problem in 2 years now. The rebuilts were 'going' every few months for various reasons. One time something inside it burnt up and stunk.
Cheers,
Popa Tim
Cheers,
Popa Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
The starter sounds bad. That just happened to me, new starter and 3 days later it wasn't working. Cheap labor to produce cheap parts equals u r walking. Leave the alternator alone, if you must change it wait until you can get to a professional electric motor rebuilder. DO NOT buy an alternator from a bozo discount auto parts store.
Last edited by 924x2150; Apr 2, 2005 at 09:02 PM.