Hey gang,

I have a 1998 F-150 and I have a quick question. I haven't started the truck in about two weeks and I went out last night to start it. Basically it just turned almost like the battery was dead but when I look at the instrument gauge the battery is completely charged. So I didn't hear the starter trying to engauge at all. Could the starter have just siezed up? or is there a fuse or something that could've gone? I had my wife try to start it while I layed under the starter to listen if if was trying to engage. There was a quick spark with the starter wiring. Also could I just push start it and would that potentially free up the starter?

Thanks,

 

If it hasn't been started in some time, the first thing I would do is try to jump start it from another vehicle. The volt gauge is not very exact, and you can't usually tell if the voltage is being maintained under load. If you can't do that, I would check and clean all connections and charge the battery (if possible) before trying again. Consider buying a new battery if it's more than 3 years old. If that doesn't work, the next thing to look at is the starter relay.

I'm not sure if that vehicle can be push started with current interlocks, but I think it might be difficult. It's been many years since I have attempted to push start any vehicle.