Starter troubles
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, ON
Starter troubles
Hey gang, this is my 1st time out so let me know if I'm following the guidelines for posting.
My 1999 F-150 XLT, 4X2, 4.6L Supercab has been driving me crazy with a starter problem. From time to time I turn the ignition and only get a "click" sound and no action from the starter. Sometimes after turning the key 10 - 20 times the starter finally kicks in. When I couldn't figure it out I took it into a shop where they replaced the starter with a Champion rebuilt. About 6 weeks later I had the same problem back. They replaced the rebuilt starter with another and now after 8 weeks I'm back to square 1. My mechanic friend thought the air conditioning condenser was dripping down onto the solenoid and terminals causing some arcing and shorting out. Any thoughts? It's been bad again this weekend and I'm afraid it will leave me stranded in the parking lot at work at 4:00 am. when I get off. Oh yeah, our plant is 20 miles out of town so the walk home would suck!
My 1999 F-150 XLT, 4X2, 4.6L Supercab has been driving me crazy with a starter problem. From time to time I turn the ignition and only get a "click" sound and no action from the starter. Sometimes after turning the key 10 - 20 times the starter finally kicks in. When I couldn't figure it out I took it into a shop where they replaced the starter with a Champion rebuilt. About 6 weeks later I had the same problem back. They replaced the rebuilt starter with another and now after 8 weeks I'm back to square 1. My mechanic friend thought the air conditioning condenser was dripping down onto the solenoid and terminals causing some arcing and shorting out. Any thoughts? It's been bad again this weekend and I'm afraid it will leave me stranded in the parking lot at work at 4:00 am. when I get off. Oh yeah, our plant is 20 miles out of town so the walk home would suck!
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Welcome to the forum 
Is there any sign of rust or water on the solenoid to back up your friend's suggestion?
Are the cables in good shape? Have you checked for power at the solenoid when it won't start?
I'm not familiar with Champion rebuilts but I'm wondering if they are generally known to be good quality or not.
Is there any sign of rust or water on the solenoid to back up your friend's suggestion?
Are the cables in good shape? Have you checked for power at the solenoid when it won't start?
I'm not familiar with Champion rebuilts but I'm wondering if they are generally known to be good quality or not.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, ON
The mechanic I've used from time to time swears by the Champion rebuilds and says he's only ever returned one. Took 13 turns of the key, this morning at 4:00 am., to get the ol' girl to fire. I'm thinking now that I'll recheck each wire & terminal for poor connections and maybe a bad ground. There is evidence of water at the terminals and some rusting. Well, time for bed, hopefully there'll be enough time to get under the truck before work later today.
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
After checking the wires real well, i think i would try a different rebuilt name starter. A rebuilt starter i just replaced ran abut 138 dollars, but comebacks are very few. Make sure the small wire is a held on the starter solinoid is a nut, and not a slip on connector. Dont over tighten the wire nuts, this damages the solioid as well. Good luck
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Maine
Is it an automatic? If so could be neutral safety switch. Try starting with the gear selector in neutral, rather than park. If it's a standard, could be switch on the clutch pedal. If you have a digital volt-ohm meter, make sure you have full voltage to the smaller s terminal on solenoid. Kinda makes you long for the old days with the solenoid on the fenderwell, don't it?
tc
tc
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, ON
Thanks for the input, no positive results yet though. Truck wouldn't start this morning at 4:00 am. when I was leaving work. When the key is turned the starter "clanks", sorry, that's the best I can describe it, seems to be a metal on metal sound. It's like the bendix is trying to engage and isn't aligning with the ring gear. With my hand on the bottom of the solenoid I could feel it "kick" when a co-worker turned the key but the starter doesn't spin. I've cleaned and greased (dielectric) all terminals and then spray painted the terminal end of the solenoid to seal against dampness??? Clutching at straws here guys. Any thoughts?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
If the starter "clanks" but doesn't turn that sounds like the starter drive (Bendix) is engaging but the starter motor is dead.
If the starter motor turns but the drive doesn't engage with the ring gear you'll get a loud grinding.
When it won't start but "clanks" you can check for voltage at the terminals on the starter. With someone holding the key in the start position you should have battery voltage at all 3 terminals on the starter. The third terminal is a solid connection between the solenoid and the starter motor.
If the starter motor turns but the drive doesn't engage with the ring gear you'll get a loud grinding.
When it won't start but "clanks" you can check for voltage at the terminals on the starter. With someone holding the key in the start position you should have battery voltage at all 3 terminals on the starter. The third terminal is a solid connection between the solenoid and the starter motor.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, ON
Weeeeelll Racerguy, it's this way. Out of frustration I paid to have the truck towed to my local Blue Oval store tonight (a $100 bucks for a twenty minute tow!?). Being the holiday weekend the best the service rep could offer was that they would take a look at it Tuesday morning. And of course, he had never heard of a F150 with starter problems! I've talked with 3 other local F150 owners who have had starter troubles and don't know what cured the issue, they just kept replacing parts until the problem went away. I'll keep you posted . . . the saga continues. Anyone got a Lada for sale?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, ON
Well gang, the ol' girl is starting & running again thanks to a new positive battery cable today. The end at the starter had serious corrossion in the connection which I missed while flat on my back viewing the connections with a flashlight and new bifocals. Anyway, hopefully this fix will be a lasting one.