[Greatfoot]

On a 2004 F-350 6.0L Powerstroke.

Mebbe I'm missing something, but I can't find it.

Is it part of the starter itself?

I can hear it click, but I can't track it down.

Truck clicks once on turning the key, and nothing else happens, batteries are fine, I have a power controller in the cab and it reads 12.5-13.2v.

It's gotta be either the solenoid or the starter, and the solenoid is the cheaper solution first.

Thanks in advance.

 

[worldwide73]

Yes its on/part of the starter.

 

[Greatfoot]

Thanks.

I just wanted to be sure, some people were telling me it was on the fender, but from what I could see, it wasn't.

I thought it was that bit on the starter.

Further to the description:

I was in a parking lot and went to start the truck, it turned over for a very brief second, as in I could hear everything turning that turns in a normal start, then nothing, even with the key still turned over.

A normal start - whirr-rrr-rrr-vroom!

What I got - whirr-(then nothing)

I cycled the key, and got only the single click.

Is the 'single click' indicative of starter, or solenoid failure?

It's dark here now, so in the AM I will crawl under the truck and check all the wires and leads before I pull it, and I will check back here as well.

I assume the solenoid can be removed/replaced on the starter without having to replace the whole starter.

Like I said, beginning with the cheaper fix first.

Thanks again.

 

[Greatfoot]

So, I've read in the Hayne's Book that there might be a Starter Relay as well.
(And I'll probably get flamed for reading Hayne's)

But, do I have one on this truck?

And if I do, where is it?

I wanted to ask before I pulled the starter off.

In terms of solving this starting problem, is this the path I want to follow:

Relay (if there is one)

Solenoid

Starter

?

Thanks again.

I was just under the truck and it is definitely the single click at the solenoid.

 

[klhansen]

Yes you have a starter relay. Before the 02 models, it was mounted on the passenger side fender (that's the solenoid people were telling you to look for). In 02 and later trucks, the starter relay moved to the fuse/relay panel under the dash. Should be in your owner's manual (if you can't locate yours, check here: http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/download/2003/2003%20F-250,350,450,550%20Owner%20Guide,%204th%20Printing.pdf - it's for an 03, but should be the same).

You should also check your shifter position. Try moving it to neutral instead of park, or shove it further up past park while trying the key. Sometimes they get out of whack, and will prevent the starter from energizing. (assuming you have an auto trans here - probably an 80% chance.)

Good luck with it.

[on edit] Just saw that you verified the solenoid on the starter was clicking, so that or the starter is your problem. You can disregard the relay and shifter.

 

[Greatfoot]

Well, gonna pull the starter this morning, at $90/hr+ shop rates, I'll suffer. But they certainly didn't do anyone any favours with that top bolt. Gotta see if I have a knuckle for my wratchet somewhere, if not, one click at a time to get that bolt out.

I'll keep that 'neutral start' thing in mind for future reference, though, good stuff to know.

Thanks, I'll let you all know how I make out.

 

[Bully Joe]

Any progress made?

klhansen-thanks for the neutral tip.

 

[Greatfoot]

The starter is done. Aside from that pain-in-the-butt top bolt, it was a straight forward swap out.

Starts like nobody's business now. 7 years on the original starter I guess is good enough.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[2004 6.0 VICTIM]

2004 6.0 F-350 Diesel Dually

When I try to start my truck, all I hear is the relays in the fuse box clicking and that's it. Pulled starter and had it tested at O'Rielly's...good. Replaced positive battery to battery cable, cleaned posts on batteries, replaced fuel filters, checked all the fuses and relays and still nothing. This is my first diesel and had about 1.5 yrs now and had issues with injectors first month I owned it then again 6 months later. Not sure what to do...any help would be very appreciated!

 

[dieselmac]

Have you had your batteries tested?

 

[Cojack]

This same thing has happened to me, I am new to the diesel world and I don't want to pull the starter, if I don't have to was there ever a solution?

 

[jackles]

Happened to me yesterday as well. I drove to a store and turned off the car. Came back in less than 5 mins, turned the ignition, and just got a audible click (may be relay?) but nothing turning from the starter. Had it towed back to my house last night.

This morning, I replaced the starter (+solenoid) w/ a Napa Premium Starter (new w/ lifetime warranty) thinking that was it. To my surprise, it still won't start (same exact thing). I bridged the positive posts on the starter motor and solenoid and it does spin/engage.

I've verified the batteries and connections are good.

Anyone with ideas what else to check?


2005 Excursion Eddie Bauer 4x4 6.0l PSD

 

[dannyboy950]

Did you reattach the solenoid signal wire from the ignition switch. Small wire on a terminal by itself on the solenoid head.

 

[Steved80]

Same thing happened to my wife last night. Drove fine down to horse show and went to start to leave and nothing. Luckily friends were there to help. They jumped the solenoid to get it to start so she could make it home. So at least i know the starter is good. I would assume that leaves the relay, the solenoid, and the shifter position switch, is that about it or is there something else i should check? Is it possible to just change the solenoid or do you have to change the whole starter? If it is the shifter position switch, how do you get to it to check the alignment? By the way, i have a 2007 F350 6.0L

 

[Franksbeanscan'tgetright]

Brake switch could be the coulprit. Neutral position sensor(on top of transmission) another. Starter relay not the issue maybe the ignition switch butt then of course you could try tapping the starter with a hammer while someone trys the key sometimes they stick.

 

[klhansen]

Frank, you're a bit late to the party. Like 7 years.

The brake switch isn't involved with the start circuit, but the Transmission Range Sensor is.
Sometimes percussive maintenance works.

 

[bismic]

yeah - the 6.0L doesn't have a Neutral Position sensor. The Range Sensor is in the transmission, not on top the transmission.