Hi,

1997 F150 4.6 V8 Lariat 4x4 with auto transmission.

Yesterday I starting having starting problems. The remote starter tried to start the truck, but it just made a pop or loud click noise without the engine trying to crank. So I tried to start the truck with the key and at times, there is no lights at all in the dash except check engine light. I can hear the fuel pump priming. At other times, all the dash lights are on but just a click.

When I try to start it with the remote start, i also hear the relay clicking multiple times in the driver footwell.

The battery is at 12.6V. I even tried jump starting it with another car just in case.

After a while of checking and moving things around, I got the ignition to on with all the lights and was able to crank the engine. It started multiple times last night.

So this morning, it wouldn't start. I got in the truck, moved around the gear level from park to 1st multiple times and moved it around in neutral. The truck started. It started 5 more times afterwards.

I have replaced the battery and alternator 18 months ago. I replaced the starter 9 months ago. When I replaced the starter, one of the wires looked pretty corroded. The wire looked the same as it did 9 months ago as it did yesterday, so I'm not too sure that is the cause of the problem. Here are some pics of the wire.

What do I need to replace or fix? The cable that goes from the battery to the starter? Neutral safety swith? Or what else?

 

you didn't replace that wire why?! that is a fire hazard on its own. It also could be the (pop) you are describing. It is most likely arcing over to the other loose wires or the block. Replace that wire and check all other grounds while you're at it.

 

 

Holy %$#^!

Could you please resize the pics before posting them?

 

So not the neutral safety switch?

I didn't have any problems like this since I replaced the starter.

Is this the correct cable to get? Where does all the other wires go to? Can I just leave the exiting wiring still on the harness but just not have it connected?

MOTORCRAFT Part # WC9082
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=381802
http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,cata...ft_WC9082.html
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-WC9.../dp/B000C5C0JW

 

So is this the correct replacement cable?

 

late update

i solved the issue by adding another ground wire from the battery to the starter in additon to the existing wires

 

looks like you might have the head gasket oil leak and that wire is pretty corroded..

 

I'm assuming you meant valve cover. The head gasket is fine since no odd gases were coming from the radiator when i tested it for leaks.

 

You don't have to have oil in your coolant or exhaust gasses in your coolant to indicate a head gasket leak. You can simply leak oil externally from the head gasket with no other running issues. Which just so happens to be a common area, that is why he mentioned that. Valve cover gaskets hardly "leak". They may show signs of damp oil around the edges but hardly ever leak like that. It is most likely a head gasket, passenger rear side.

 

Yeah thats the head gasket. Been there..

 

The good part is if you don't mind spilling oil in your driveway or having to check the level all the time... it won't hurt anything

I have an extra battery to starter harness in perfect condition laying around if you want to pay shipping... Send me a PM.

 

Yup! that wire is seriously dangerous for the truck. Something like that should be fixed immediately when noticed.

 

I cant stand oil leaks. They drive me crazy. I had to do SOMETHING about it..

 

I agree. I feel the same and would have done the same. I was just pointing that out to the Op being he seemed to be in denial about it.