Recently I have been having issues with my 7.3 starting. It is a 2000 250 Crew cab 4x4. Approx 140,000 miles, no major problems previously. Here's whats happening: The first time was Mother's Day weekend, I was pulling my 30' travel trailer stopped for fuel and it wouldn't start. Absolultly nothing no noise at all, I didn't notice if the dash board lights came on or not but they probebly did, I always wait for the glow plug light to go off. My Dad was with me and we cleaned 3 of the four the battery terminals off pretty good took approx 45 min as they were somewhat corroded, couldn't get the forth one off (this truck sits in the garage more than it get driven). After the terminals were cleaned it started right up and ran fine the rest of the weekend and all the way home. The second and third time very similar circunstances I had been pulling my horse trailer and the truck was hot, not over heating but good and warm. The second time I had no tools, I took a Coke and poored it over the forth terminal it started just fine, the truck had been sitting approx one hour. the third time again similar but started after sitting with no other intervention.
I drove it last week everyday taking kids to Vacation Bible School with no problems, but it sat several hours before trying to start again.
Anyone have any similar experiences or problems??

 

If it's not even trying to start, then you may have severely corroded terminals, or you may have one of the battery cables grounding or shorting out.

There have been a few folks who have had the battery crossover cable rubbing through the insulation. May want to check that while you're under the hood.

 

its probably not the terminals at all. i had the same problem and it was the crank sensor. I took mine to the dealer and there was a factory recall so it got replaced for free. I have a 99 f350 7.3l with 98000 and I just took it in two weeks ago, so the recall is still active. I hope this helps.

 

The cam sensor won't prevent the truck from trying to start. If the cam sensor is bad, the truck will turn over, just never catch.

For the OP, his truck isn't even trying to turn over, indicating a different issue altogether that's preventing power from getting to the starter.

 

You are so right Curtis. I was half asleep when I read the post and so skipped right over that part. Sorry for the false info.

Stu
1999 F-350 7.3L turbo dully

 

I do that all the time. No worries.

 

I forgot to mention, I took both batteries out and throughly cleaned the terminals and cables after the second episode. After the third time it was taken to Checker Auto Parts and both batteries and both alternators checked out ok. Is it possible that the batteries, which are two and a half years old (they're 84 month) are just not strong enough with all the heat of towing, dispite the findings at the auto parts store? I guess i will start with the cheapest and replace the starter solenoid (sp?) then the battery cables.

Thanks,

I'll let you guys know if it solves the problem.

 

It could be the neutral switch if you drive an automatic. Next time try to put the truck into neutral from park and see if it makes any difference.