Well, I went out to start my truck today and when I turned the key all I heard was a very loud grinding noise and the engine doesn't turn over at all. It's done this twice before over the past 3 months, but each time the truck would turn over on the second or third turn of the key and it happened so infrequently that I just kind of forgot about it. This time however, it just won't start at all.

Got under the hood and the noise seems to be coming from the small round box that is attached to the inside of the body near the battery. The one with all of the wires attached to it that run to various things in the engine. (I'm sorry, but I'm no mechanic so have no clue what this is called.)

If anyone could help me by telling me what this is called, if there is a way to test it to make sure this is the problem and not the starter, and any other advice you may have, I would appreciate it greatly.

I don't think it's the starter. As I said, the noise and grinding feeling seems to be coming from this... thing. Also, in case this helps with the diagnosis, every time I turn the key and it grinds, all of my electronics reset themselves. For example, my stereo loses all time, presets, settings, etc. like as if it experienced a total loss of power. It does this on each turn of the key.


Thank you for your time and your help/advice.

 

Something similar happened to me a little while ago. I thought it might be the solenoid, but when I took my truck in to have it looked at, it ended up that I needed a new battery. I hope yours does not end up being too complicated.
Good luck.

 

Ok, I've rewritten this a few times, since I keep reading your original message and getting more out of it. First, more information would be helpful. Start with year/engine/trans. If yours is much like mine (an 87 EB/5.8L/C6), the "small round box ... with all the wires" is the solenoid. It should click to engage when you turn the key to the start position. Make sure it isn't the starter that is making the grinding noise. I would say you have many possibilities, but it seems to me it is either an electrical problem or if your starter is grinding, possibly a starter gear issue. Best case: replace the battery and/or solenoid. Worst case: replace the starter and/or flexplate/flywheel. Best of luck!

 

Have you had anyone turn the ignition WHILE NOT IN GEAR!!! And check the starter? I cannot tell which part you are referring to, the voltage regulator maybe? Check scematics at Autozone.com and see if you can identify the part you are reffering to. Usually a loud grinding sound associated with starting is associated with the starter solenoid, the starter, or maybe ring gear damage. A dying battery could cause insufficient current to actuate the solenoid or starter, but I cannot imagine any other component making such a noise, usually grinding noises are associated with motion. Does the fan turn while cranking on the starter?

 

Sometimes the solenoid will make the clicking noise if the cables are corroded. Sounds like a bad connection somewhere. Are the battery posts and cables clean?

 

except for the grinding noise sounds like my issue see post continuing electrical problems. Lose all electrical (radio presets etc.) Would the selinoid do that ?

 

It's not the solenoid "doing it" it is the solenoid exhibiting the same symptoms of erratic power to it. Check your connections, regulator, and get the battery load tested.

 

I think the part he is refering to is the starter relay but that would not effect "normal" elictric functions like the radio?

 

Sorry about that. Truck is a 1990 Bronco with the 351W engine. According to the Autozone website, it sounds like it's the Solenoid Switch.

"Under hood, passenger side, front side of wheelwell, mounted on inner fenderwell"

It is this part where the grinding noise is coming from, not the starter itself. You can feel it grinding also if you put a finger on it while the key is turned. It's not the "clicking" noise you normally hear when there is insufficent power, but an actual grinding noise. I'm going to go and check all the wiring now that it's daylight.

As for the battery, I've never had any problems or indications that it is bad.. everything seems to get power well. Lights, windows, radio, etc. I just cleaned the cable connectors to it not long ago.

I'll let you know if I can see anything wrong with the wires connected at the solenoid. In the meantime, thank you for your help, and keep it coming. heh

Thanks.

 

Well, it ended up being the Solenoid. Put on a new one, (after a mishap where I broke the first one and had to go get a second one.. don't ask), and it started right up. Though, somehow I managed to short out or blow out my front passenger side headlight in the process. hehe

Anyway, thanks for all your help, everyone.