I have searched and searched and searched and searched and it seems everyone with my issue has died prior to posting their results.

I have a 2001 excursion v10. a couple weeks ago the starter motor relay fuse (# 20) blew when i attempted to start it, i replaced the fender mounted solenoid and it worked for about a week and now the fuse is blown again, and continues to blow everytime i attempt to crank the engine.

i jump the posts on the fender solenoid and it starts just fine. i have chased wires looking for a rub through causing a short but all the wire bundles are tight and look good. I removed cleaned and re-installed the wires on the starter and still have this pesky problem.

i am at the end of the chiltons manual, wiring schematics and my patients with this so please offer any advise.

thank you

 

*update

the last solenoid i used was a generic starter solenoid. just ordered the factory replacement. we will see if the factory replacement will provide better results.

 

Do you have a short in your ignition lock cylinder?

 

im afraid that it probably is a short somewhere and tracking it down is gonna be a nightmare.

is a short in the column a common place?

 

Run an amp draw test on the starter.

 

It is common for a wire in the column to be chafed down to the copper in the Excursions and Expeditions. It causes all kinds of weird electrical stuff.

Remove the top and bottom covers and look closely at the wires to see if you find anything.

 

update update update

found my problem, after chasing every possible short location i decided to start throwing parts at it.

new starter was first on the list due to possible amp draw problems. removed the starter and found this. the threads stripped on the solenoid post. causing bad connection and 100% explains my intermittent problem.

I hope this helps anyone that finds themselves in the position i have been in for the last week

 

how do i change the thread title to show the problem resolved?

 

nevermind..... started a few times, now right back to the same old problem.... im about to throw in the towel

 

yes!!!! got it finally....

wire bundle on drivers side inner fender had a single wire (happens to be the small wire on the fender mounted solenoid) chaffing on the dual shock hoop. dumb luck that i found it, i had not looked anywhere near there due to the fact that it is nowhere near any bundle leading to or from the starter, solenoid, battery, alternator, or ignition.

but its fixed, just thought id let you know in case you cared.. lol, thanks for all the advise and quick replys.

Scott

 

We care. I always look at non-stock things for a solution and I am assuming the shock hoop isn't stock. It's just a matter of perservering (did I spell that right)?

 

THANKS!!

I joined here just to thank you for posting your troubles and ultimately the fix. I just had the same problems on my 01 7.3 F250 and after googling the issue found this thread. I too have the dual shock hoops and found that pulling that harness of wires back away from the hoop kept the 15A starter motor relay coil fuse from blowing and allowing the truck to start. When I have more time, I'll pull the airbox and find the exposed wire...right now it's just pulled back.

Thanks again

 

after the hell week i went through i am very pleased to have saved someone else all that grief.. you are very welcome!

 

Scott,
I came across this thread and I think I have a similar issue. Unfortunately, I am not a mechanic, but more like a parts-changer. I have power, but intermittently my 02 F250 fails to crank. I've already replaced the Neutral Safety Switch. Would you be able to send me a picture of the wiring bundle you reference above (if you still have it)? Thanks again for your posting.