problems starting
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Joined: May 2008
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problems starting
hey yall i have a 2001 f250 powerstroke 4x4 I just bought a few weeks ago. The truck has 29,000 miles on it and nothing i can see wrong with it except for a starting problem that started yesterday. When i turn the key on the wait to start light comes on and then goes off after a little while like normal. then i try to crank it and it cranks slow and wont start. I let off the key and the wait to start light comes back on. When it goes off the second time it cranks right up like nothing was ever wrong. It runs fine and the alternator charges just fine. Like I said ive had the truck for almost 3 weeks now and havent had any issues until last night with this starting problem. There are no warning lights on anywhere and everything looks perfect everywhere it just doesnt like to start all of a sudden. if anyone has any ideas on what it is would be greatly appreciated. I am a diesel mechanic and I have never seen anything like this. All i can think of is something is staying on and draining my batteries but i can't find anything staying on when the truck is not running.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Welcome to FTE. I would think you pulled the cables and cleaned the post. And that you checked all the grounds. And you checked to see that you are putting out 12v from the batts. And you checked the starter wires.
Just to start with.
Just to start with.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
It sounds like batteries. With only 29,000 miles, that truck hasn't been run enough to keep them charged and in good shape. Probably original batteries. And welcome to the site, hang around, I think you'll find some of the guys here are pretty smart.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
I just went through this same thing and the biggest problem was the starter
I origonally suspected my wally batteries but they tested good
I did have a problem with the ground on left side where it hooks to the block but that only helped a little
My alternator was weak,replaced it,helped a little more,but still if it didn't fire in the first few revolutions would act like dead batteries but could cycle it again and would fire right off
I ordered a new starter and put it on today,now it fires right off without glow plugs
I did put the high torque starter on while I had it down
This truck don't seem to have enough miles to have starter problems but who knows,I would check all conections and check batteries first
I origonally suspected my wally batteries but they tested good
I did have a problem with the ground on left side where it hooks to the block but that only helped a little
My alternator was weak,replaced it,helped a little more,but still if it didn't fire in the first few revolutions would act like dead batteries but could cycle it again and would fire right off
I ordered a new starter and put it on today,now it fires right off without glow plugs
I did put the high torque starter on while I had it down
This truck don't seem to have enough miles to have starter problems but who knows,I would check all conections and check batteries first
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Lake TX
This really does sound like a starter issue. Mine did the same exact thing, changed the starter and it has been great ever since. But I had over 250k on it when it happened. I can't see it being the batteries, as you can recycle the switch and then it will start. But, do all of the usual checks before spending cash. If you do remove the starter take it to Autozone and get them to test it for you. Good Luck, Hope it all works out for you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
if you have to replace the starter this is the one I got
NEW Ford 7.3 Diesel Starter Powerstroke Truck High Torque 2001-2006 17802: 17802 DB Electrical Starter-Alternator
NEW Ford 7.3 Diesel Starter Powerstroke Truck High Torque 2001-2006 17802: 17802 DB Electrical Starter-Alternator
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE.
29,000 miles? I don't know if it's even broke in yet. Congrats on finding one with that kind of mileage. All of the above is good advice. The only thing I would add is go ahead and change the oil, fuel filter, and inspect the air filter. You might as well start off with fresh fluids and filters. Make sure you put 15 qts of properly rated diesel oil in there.
Any other questions, don't be scared to ask.
29,000 miles? I don't know if it's even broke in yet. Congrats on finding one with that kind of mileage. All of the above is good advice. The only thing I would add is go ahead and change the oil, fuel filter, and inspect the air filter. You might as well start off with fresh fluids and filters. Make sure you put 15 qts of properly rated diesel oil in there.
Any other questions, don't be scared to ask.
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Joined: May 2008
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Hey Y'all thanks for all the good Advice. it ended up being old batteries. When I checked them with a Multimeter they both read over 12 volts but I had no way to check the Amps. turns out they weren't putting out the cranking amps I needed. I guess I should have known a 7 year old battery would have to be replaced. other than that I haven't had any problem with it at all i don't think i could have found a better deal anywhere. I found out from the dealer that the truck belonged to someone who was deployed all the time and never had time to drive it. Its had complete dealership maint. and both recalls have already been corrected. Hey just out of curiosity what kind of mileage do you guys get out of yours? I'm getting around 500+ to a tank and it just seems too good to be true with a 29 gallon tank. Also, i have and '87 f150 with a 5.0 EFI. I can't find a cold air intake for that engine anywhere. Any ideas on where to find one or an easy way to make my own? I need it to breath easier but also need to try to water proof it somehow too. Its a mud truck and its gets pretty deep sometimes.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
We do have a section dedicated to air intakes, filters & ram air. Maybe ask those guys for some ideas. Air Intakes, Air Filters and Ram Air - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
