Starting Problem When truck is not level?
 

Hey guys just wondering if anybody has had this problem, It is completely blowing my mind.

I just bought the truck and the previous owner said sometimes when the truck is parked in an angle, like in a drive way it will not start unless you use a screw driver and touch both posts on the solenoid. It happened to me today and I do not like it and need to find the cause? Any body have any idea why it would do this? :-huh:-huh:-huh:-huh

Just throwing an idea out there...


Fuel Inertia Switch is where I would start. See if you can start after resetting it by pushing the red button on top. Maybe have someone hold it.

Well first thing to do is create the problem, then test for 12v at the small wire going to the solenoid when the key is in crank. If you have it there, the starter is bad. If you don't have it, check that you're getting it at the key, if you don't have it there the key switch is bad. If you do have it at the key but not the solenoid, the problem is somewhere in between and it's time to chase wires.

Also check for loose wires and connections at solenoid, battery, starter, and ground. Is battery securely fastened?

Otherwise, recreate the problem and troubleshoot as suggested above.

My old '96 Chevy pickup wouldn't crank or start if the chassis was flexed at all, turned out to be a loose ground on the back on the one cylinder head.

"Will not start"??

Sounds like you are describing, starter won't engage?
If, this is it, sounds like a relay, not sure engine or year of the vehicle.

At times I have an issue with the starter not engaging. I know it sounds weird, but I have to turn the key to start and hold and then turn my headlights on; It cranks right up then. I have never had the truck leave me stranded on that issue so I have not worried about tracking it down and fixing it.

Headlights fix a few things, related to power saver relay. Next time, it won't start..
see if your power windows work, the radio, and the auto climate system.
About once a year, my 6L will start fine, but no radio, or a/c, (never tried windows). If I turn on headlights things wake up.
The fault is a non-replacable relay on back of instrument cluster. A company can repair it if you send in the cluster.
Never heard it impacting starter though.

Added the link, they ARE a FTE Site sponsor as well
https://circuitboardmedics.com/2002-...luster-repair/

Good to know. The only reason I knew what to do when it first happened was the E250 that I use to drive for an old job did the same exact thing and our mechanic taught me that trick.

Aw you beat me to the "How in the hell did you come up with that solution?" question. Spoiling all the fun man.