Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

Bad Starter, or Bad Starter Relay?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 01:47 PM
  #1  
dieselzen's Avatar
dieselzen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
Bad Starter, or Bad Starter Relay?

Hi All,
I have a '90 E350 with the 7.3L. My van would not start today. Turned the key and nothing. Over the last several weeks, I noticed the starter being less and less willing to turn the engine over until it didn't start today. I thought it was accessories (audio amp, inverter, and electric cooler) discharging the driver-side battery slowly but surely. I was going to remedy that today but it's moot now.
I've charged the batteries to full charge. I've checked the voltage going to the starter from the passenger-side battery, 12.73 volts (same voltage as the pass.-side battery). I've checked the voltage from the starter relay to starter solenoid and I get .07 volts. Seems kinda low to me.

What is the normal voltage reading on the starter relay to starter solenoid wire when the ignition is on?

As usual my Chiltons and Haynes are absolutely useless. Wish I'd stop being cheap and buy a set of Ford shop manuals.

Also, can I start the vehicle by shorting the starter solenoid? or will this do harm to the engine in some way I haven't thought of?

Many thanks in advance, dieselzen
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 02:57 PM
  #2  
dieselzen's Avatar
dieselzen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
My bad. Nevermind. Actually found a procedure in the Haynes manual I didn't remember being there. My apologies to Haynes.....somewhat. Chilton's can still take a hike.
At any rate, shorted the + battery terminal to the solenoid side of the relay and it cranked right up. Guess I found out which part was bad.

dieselzen
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 09:32 PM
  #3  
Dave Sponaugle's Avatar
Dave Sponaugle
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Club FTE Silver Member

Man I like helping this guy.
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 10:06 PM
  #4  
dieselzen's Avatar
dieselzen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
Always glad to not waste your time Dave. Finally!
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 10:19 PM
  #5  
Dave Sponaugle's Avatar
Dave Sponaugle
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Club FTE Silver Member

Hey dieselzen you never was my time.

I come in here to relax and have a chuckle or two.
I enjoy the company that is here.
Plus if I can help a couple of people with their trucks, that just makes it better.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:53 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE