Truck will not turn over

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Aug 25, 2010 | 08:46 AM

kpmacatl

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Truck will not turn over

I have a 97 F150, when I try to crank it only clicks one time. All of the lights come on and dim slightly when I turn the ignition. I had the battery tested and it is ok. I tried to cross the Solenoid, it sparks but will not start, I also tapped the starter with a hammer and still no go.

Any suggestions on what the problem might be? Thanks

Aug 25, 2010 | 10:05 AM

Roader

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From: Denver

Even when everything's OK, jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver you're going to get sparks. But if jumping the solenoid doesn't turn the starter, and you have 12+ volts at the solenoid, then you've probably got a bad starter. Take it off and have it tested at an auto parts store to be sure.

Aug 25, 2010 | 11:27 AM

kpmacatl

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Thanks for the help, I will take it off this weekend and take it to autozone.

Aug 25, 2010 | 12:53 PM

White 97 xlt

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From: Cleveland, TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpmacatl

I have a 97 F150, when I try to crank it only clicks one time. All of the lights come on and dim slightly when I turn the ignition. I had the battery tested and it is ok. I tried to cross the Solenoid, it sparks but will not start, I also tapped the starter with a hammer and still no go.

Any suggestions on what the problem might be? Thanks

I think I would be looking at battery cables... BOTH ends!!!!!!

Aug 25, 2010 | 02:19 PM

kpmacatl

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Thanks I will check the cables tonight. Do I need to check for anything beside corrosion and breaks in the cables?

Aug 25, 2010 | 02:44 PM

Encho

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From: Caracas, Venezuela

I know this will sound absurd, but put the truck in neutral, push it a few inches and then try to start it again.

Aug 25, 2010 | 02:46 PM

Roader

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If you have a voltmeter, measure voltage from the solenoid to the body/frame ground (not the negative post) while someone else is trying to crank the engine. If you have a bad cable, the voltage will really drop, maybe to zero. The fact that you have sparks when you try to jump the solenoid indicates that you have plenty of current to the solenoid end of the starter cable. You can repeat the test at the starter end of the starter cable to rule out a bad cable. If you're getting 12 volts between the starter end of the cable and the frame with the key in the start position, then either your starter is bad or your engine is locked up.

Harbor Freight sells votmeters for as little as $4.