Starter Problem?
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Starter Problem?
2003 F150 Supercrew
4.6 V8
2 wheel drive
65k miles
When I turn the key to start the truck, it doesn't do anything sometimes. There isn't a clicking or turn over of any kind. The lights come on and everything electrical turns on, but the truck won't start. If I hold the key in the start position, after 15-20 seconds it will turn over and start. This only happens sometimes. Most of the time, I will turn the key and the truck starts up with no problems.
Important Notes - I am not a car buff, I want to learn everything I can about this truck and learn how to do work on it. I pretty much know nothing about starters, including where it is even located on my truck (I haven't looked yet). That being said, I am persistent and hopefully intelligent enough to figure it out. I hacked my way through some wheel bearings when I had to.
Any help you guys can give would be great, thanks to all who reply.
4.6 V8
2 wheel drive
65k miles
When I turn the key to start the truck, it doesn't do anything sometimes. There isn't a clicking or turn over of any kind. The lights come on and everything electrical turns on, but the truck won't start. If I hold the key in the start position, after 15-20 seconds it will turn over and start. This only happens sometimes. Most of the time, I will turn the key and the truck starts up with no problems.
Important Notes - I am not a car buff, I want to learn everything I can about this truck and learn how to do work on it. I pretty much know nothing about starters, including where it is even located on my truck (I haven't looked yet). That being said, I am persistent and hopefully intelligent enough to figure it out. I hacked my way through some wheel bearings when I had to.
Any help you guys can give would be great, thanks to all who reply.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, Kentucky
What is the voltage on the battery when measured from battery post to post? Should be around 13.2 VDC. If the voltage is low, under 12 VDC and it has been on a battery charger, then replace the battery.
If battery voltage is good, then check voltage from the negative post to positive cable clamp. Voltage should not change. If it does, remove cable, clean post and clamp, reassemble and retest. Repeat this test in the reverse too. (Positive post to negative clamp).
Now, if the battery is good and you still have a starting problem. The battery is connected directly to the starter by a heavy battery cable (it is also connected to the starter relay). Test the voltage at the starter to a good vehicle ground. If the voltage is low, then clean up the connections, check the cable for corrosion wicked up under the insulation. Correct any problems found here.
On the other hand if the voltage is good here, then check the smaller wire at the starter for voltage when the ignition switch is in the start position. If there is no voltage there when the switch is on, then go to the starter relay.
The starter relay has three wires. One is from the battery(red), one to the starter(red), and the other(tan/red) is from a fuse (hot in start, F21) in the central junction box via the digital transmission range sensor. If you have no voltage out to the starter then check to insure that the tan/red wire is hot in start. If not, then troubleshoot back to the fuse and the DTR sensor. If this is good and there is no voltage on the red wire to the starter, then replace the starter relay.
Good luck!
If battery voltage is good, then check voltage from the negative post to positive cable clamp. Voltage should not change. If it does, remove cable, clean post and clamp, reassemble and retest. Repeat this test in the reverse too. (Positive post to negative clamp).
Now, if the battery is good and you still have a starting problem. The battery is connected directly to the starter by a heavy battery cable (it is also connected to the starter relay). Test the voltage at the starter to a good vehicle ground. If the voltage is low, then clean up the connections, check the cable for corrosion wicked up under the insulation. Correct any problems found here.
On the other hand if the voltage is good here, then check the smaller wire at the starter for voltage when the ignition switch is in the start position. If there is no voltage there when the switch is on, then go to the starter relay.
The starter relay has three wires. One is from the battery(red), one to the starter(red), and the other(tan/red) is from a fuse (hot in start, F21) in the central junction box via the digital transmission range sensor. If you have no voltage out to the starter then check to insure that the tan/red wire is hot in start. If not, then troubleshoot back to the fuse and the DTR sensor. If this is good and there is no voltage on the red wire to the starter, then replace the starter relay.
Good luck!
