starting problems!!
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Thornton
starting problems!!
First off i'd like to say i'm new to FTE so if i'm posting this in the wrong section I appologize. Ok now down to the problems...so i have a 2002 F350 7.3L. I have been having starting problems for about the last month or 2. I've had the truck diagnosed at checker multiple times and so far have replace the starter, one battery (the other one tests good), and an alternator. The truck starts about 90% of the time but the other 10% of the time it will not start. I have taken it back to checker and there diagnostic shows nothing is wrong. I refuse to go to a dealer because i believe they screw you most of the time. The truck will start with a jump most of the time so i don't thinkn it is the glow plugs. I've checked fuel lines and filters along with air filters all is well there. The truck still has power when it wont start (radio, headlights, instrument cluster all comes on, no check engine light is on however) I don't know what is causing this problem, i am clompletely at a loss as is the auto parts store and my friend whom is a diesel mechanic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys/girls!!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,759
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From: round rock, tx
if, glow plug related, try a new RELAY first.
I def would recomend telling whoever you bought the battery from that our Diesels NEED 2 Batteries to start. Get them to replace other battery!
you should also check all BATT connections
good luck
I def would recomend telling whoever you bought the battery from that our Diesels NEED 2 Batteries to start. Get them to replace other battery!
you should also check all BATT connections
good luck
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From: Thornton
Yeah, i heard that when you replace one battery you should replace both even if the other one is good so i bought 2 brand new ones tonight. With the glow plugs, i don't see how they could be a problem since it'll start with the jump...seems like a wiring problem not the plugs to me, but if the relay is going out it may draw amps even when the truck is off...is this a problem you have heard of before??? All connections are tight including the grounds, batteries, and connections at the starter. I'll see how the new batteries work out and keep you updated. Thanks for the input.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. Since a jump start works, I'd guess it's battery or cable related. Let us know if the new batteries fix it.
For future reference, the free scans at the parts stores won't read most of the engine codes on our truck, so even if the CEL comes on, they may not see any codes.
For future reference, the free scans at the parts stores won't read most of the engine codes on our truck, so even if the CEL comes on, they may not see any codes.
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From: Thornton
Well unfortunately the new batteries didn't work! :-( I found that the glow plug solenoid on the top of the engine (kinda works hand in hand with the starter solenoid) was cracked and so I also replaced that but it didn't solve my problem either. I did find out that I don't actually have to jump start the truck...If I keep trying to start it over and over and over again, it eventually starts. But this can take up to 15 minutes of constant trying. I'm down to thinking I may have a short in part of the wiring but have no clue where because everything looks fine...do you guys have anyother ideas??? :-(
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Freshman User
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From: Thornton
Ok finally I think i solved my problem. I just tested the new GPR (glow plug relay/solenoid) with a voltage meter and it tested out fine. Its working. Now there is another solenoid/relay in front of the GPR, when I tested this it was showing 12 volts on the battery side as it should, but no voltage on the other side with the key in the on position. When there was no voltage the truck wouldn't start. I used a piece of wire to bypass the solenoid and when i did that the truck started. I believe this solenoid is my problem...does anyone know what this solenoid is? I have no clue where the outgoing wiring leads to and it is almost impossible to follow. (engine compartment is too tight) Any ideas? And is this solenoid my problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Issaquah, WA
The front relay is for your Air Intake Heater. This relay only activates at cold temps. I can't imagine that that is your problem. Have you installed the new glow pugs? Have you ohmed out the old plugs?
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Freshman User
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From: Thornton
No I haven't done anything with the glow plugs other than the relay. I don't think those are my problem though...The truck won't even get that far, it doesn't start to crank at all. When i turn the key it clicks once at the starter and then nothing. Starter is new and checks out fine. I could be wrong, it may need gp's....what do you think?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 473
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From: Issaquah, WA
No crank? I did not pick up on that from your previous posts. Check your heavy power cables in the starter circuit. Make sure they are tight. Make sure you check the ground connections as well.
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Freshman User
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From: Thornton
All connections are tight. And im guessing the new trucks don't have that relay on the fender well...I looked all over that fender (top, side, underside, etc) and there is no relay over there at all. There is a small aircompressor and a few wiring connection harnesses but no relay. If there is and someone could take a picture and point it out that'd be great but i couldn't find anything.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
They got rid of the fender mounted relay in 02. You'll need to check the connections and voltage drop on the solenoid mounted on top of the starter.
All your grounds are clean and in good shape right? Does a jump start still work? Did you replace both batteries? How much corrosion was on the cables before you changed the batteries?
All your grounds are clean and in good shape right? Does a jump start still work? Did you replace both batteries? How much corrosion was on the cables before you changed the batteries?
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From: Thornton
haven't checked the voltage drop yet, as the truck is at home today, but all grounds are clean and in good shape. I haven't tried the jump lately because the truck will eventually just turn over. I did replace both batteries and cleaned all positive conections. There was a little corrosion on them before i changed the batteries out but i scrubed them off and cleaned them with a spray.