Now what?? - Diesel Forum

turbodave · 03-12-2007, 10:04 AM

Lately, I've started having start problems. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

Seems to be totally random in occurance. When I turn the key to start, sometimes there's nothing. I can't tell if the click I'm hearing is coming from the starter solenoid or a relay somewhere else in the truck, it's a very quiet click.

Sometimes after 3 to 4 attempts to get anything to happen, I'll turn the key off, and start over and the truck will fire right up.

Batteries are good (new), connections are good and clean.

I hate the totall randomness of this! Can't just take it to the dealer cuz it may go a couple days without doing it.

Is there a chance the starter solenoid is going bad, or something else??

TIA

Jmerritt · 03-12-2007, 02:32 PM

If it were me I would replace the solenoid and see if that fixes it. NAPA replacement is about $15. If not then it is probably going to be the starter. Have you tried putting a meter or 12volt light probe on the small 12v positive post on the solenoid to make sure that the solenoid is getting energized? Of course if it is intermittent it could be almost impossible to do unless you can wire a light circuit that you can see in the cab so you can verify.

John

turbodave · 03-12-2007, 02:49 PM

Thanks. One more stupid question. Where's the solenoid? Has Ford moved it down on the starter, or is it underhood someplace?

turbodave · 03-12-2007, 05:43 PM

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

turbodave · 03-13-2007, 10:12 AM

I'm amazed nobody knows where the starter solenoid is located. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] The last Ford I owned was my 68 Mustang, so I'm not sure where/what to look for.

fastersteve · 03-13-2007, 10:21 AM

There should be 2, one on the starter side fenderwell, and another on the starter.
FS

turbodave · 03-13-2007, 01:18 PM

Oh great, two of them? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]
But thanks for the help! Guess I'll try and replace the one on the fenderwell. I see it now. Seems the easiest, and probably cheapest firt try.

Bruce1954 · 03-13-2007, 07:21 PM

the 05 dvd says there is a relay in the CJB and the main sol on the starter.

Could be the realy in the CJB, easy to check I think?????

Pull the cover off the CJB/Fuse box it should say what relay is the starter relay if it there on an 01 Swap it with one you do not need like rear defrost or trailer battery charge relay<----(I know it has this one) Not sure if same sooooo.------>

CHECK TO BE SURE IT IS THE SAME RELAY part number not that it just plugs in!

I think they are all the same (five conections) but I would check.

I can look at my 02 paper elect when I get home seems my 02 CD does not work since I installed the 05/06 DVD.

Bruce

turbodave · 03-14-2007, 12:08 PM

I'll see if I can check the CJB relay today. I replaced the Starter Relay that is mounted on the passenger side inner fender area, and it didn't help. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I'm leaning toward a bad starter maybe. The only reason I say that is because on occasions, the starter will actually start turning the motor over, and then after about a second of cranking, just stop!! Try the key again, and more often than not, it will crank and fire normally.

turbodave · 03-19-2007, 06:17 PM

Turns out, it was the starter after all. Giving it a good rap with a hammer freed it up and allowed the truck to start. Very inconvenient to crawl under there, so I finally broke down and took it to a local diesel specialty shop.

They pulled the old starter out. Visteon. And get this, it's labeled "light duty". [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]
They said my choices were to go with a rebuild, a new version of the same starter, or a for an extra $40, I could get a Mitsubishi "heavy duty" replacement (new). I opted for the new Mitsu.
What a huge difference in size and quality!
All starters are the "high torque" variety.