I've searched the forum but couldn't find anything quite like I'm experiencing. My truck is an '03 with 5.4 and 153,000 miles. Last week I started it and it ran very rough for about 5 seconds then died. When I tried to restart, it sounded very different; there was not the usual "cranking" sound, rather a more continuous sound of the starter turning but not engaging. With the key turned, I can see all the accessories turning so I assume the starter is turning the flywheel, and I can see the passenger cam turning through the oil fill spout. I removed the starter and had it tested and it was fine so I reinstalled it. Does this sound like a crank sensor?

From what I've read, I think I can handle the crank sensor replacement but I'm just not sure if it is at fault. I had a similar problem on my wife's Sonata and they had to replace the timing chain tensioners (under warranty) so I'm thinking it's timing related. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, right now it's just a good looking driveway decoration.

 

test for fuel and spark first. If there is no spark it could very well be the crank sensor.

 

So it's been a few weeks since my problem started. Last week I was going to tow the truck to my buddy's shop and decided to try starting it for the hell of it. It started right up...So I drove it to the shop and left it there for the week. He used it all week without any problem and could find nothing wrong with it. It's now back in my driveway, however I know it's going to leave me stranded at a very inopportune time. Anyone have any further ideas? Should I just replace the crank sensor for the heck of it?