Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

95 F-150 I-6

This problem has gradually gotten worse with time. I get in the truck, turn the ignition and it doesn't do anything. The lights work, dash lights and gauges work but the engine isn't cranking. If I hold the key in the start position and press and release the clutch I can hear a clicking with each push on the clutch and usually it is during one of those pushes on the clutch or turning the key over and over that the engine cranks and it starts right up. Once I can get the starter to turn the engine over I have no problem. This problem is usually worse when the truck has sat for a few hours and gets cold. I have cleaned the battery terminals and posts but that hasn't fixed it.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

I had a problem where the solenoid wire on the starter had a coroded connection. Cleaned the connection and it solved the problem.

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

Also, check with a test light or voltmeter on the solinoid to see if it gets 12v when you push in the clutch and turn the key. Maybe the clutch interlock switch is intermittent.

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

I'll try those and see what I find.

Also, I might add that this problem doesn't happen every time I try to start the truck. It seems like a corrosion problem but if I can't find any significant corrosion, should I have the solenoid tested?

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

How about......a neutral safety switch acting up.

That would explain the position of the clutch with the starter intermittently working.

Maybe loop a wire on the neutral switch so it acts as it would guaranteed in neutral.

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Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

Had a similar problem with my 93 explorer. I ended up replacing the battery cables....they were corroded on the inside of the insulation and there was too much resistance to allow enough current to turn the motor.

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

Just fixed mine last week. The starter cable had corroded and broke off. Put on a new cable and was fine.:-X09

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

Saw a Ch**vy yesterday that was leaking acid out of those stupid side mounted terminals. Battery cable was corroded away and the threads on the terminal were almost destroyed. Glad Ford didn't do that. :-X10

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...
 

Well it turned out to be the starter solenoid. I sure do appreciate all the input I got on this from you all. But I replaced it and haven't had the problem since. Thanks again for all the help. :-X22

Starter not engaging like I have a short or something loose...