Well, went to start the old supercrew the other day and nothing but a "click".

Lights were bright, fuel pump sounded normal, and it wouldn't turn the engine over even slowly, so I go underneath, pull the red cap off the rear of the solonoid attached to the starter, and with the key in the "on" position I jump the two terminals on the solonoid and it fires right up? I'm guessing it's the solonoid, but now the damn thing starts up just fine with the key?

I'm thinking about just replacing the solonoid, "I'm guessing that's the round smaller deal attached to the starter" or should I just spring for a whole new starter wich I believe comes with a new solonoid? Anybody ever have this problem.

Also, do you guys trust Autozone and other part store starters, or should I pay for a "ford part".

Also, has anyone ever found much corrosion on the Starter end of the positive battery cable, and could this maybe be the culprit?

 

Most of the parts stores have lifetime warranties on parts like this, so as long as you keep the receipts you won't have to pay for another one in the strange instance that it would screw up again. It's been almost three years since i've replaced mine with one from advanced auto and it hasn't gave me a single problem.

 

There are 2 solenoids - the one on the starter and the one on the firewall. The one on the firewall is cheap and easily replaced, it's actually a relay. The one on the starter is generally not available by itself and you have to buy a whole starter.

Get down there at the starter and clean all connections. They do corrode.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Does a strong audible "click", but no spin on the starter when engaging the starter with the key indicate anything specific to you guys, but when leaving the ignition in the "on" position, I can jump the solonoid attached to the starter and it fires right up as normal?

The damn thing actually has been starting great with the key again, wich is good, but it isn't helping me diagnose anything when it happens to be working fine like right now. I just don't want the truck to not start with the wife if I'm not present to jump the solonoid, I actually plan on replacing the positive batt. cable regardless, but I'm not sure what to do as far as the starter and relay, any suggestions?

 

I had the same issue with my truck when I first got it. It would just "click" sometimes and the starter wouldn't budge. For me it was the relay/solenoid on the firewall. It's a round thing just to the right of the battery on the firewall and the alternator wiring leads up to it. Its pretty cheap to replace and not very difficult so I would just replace it so it doesn't stop at the most annoying time possible.

- Erik